Blessings of Goodwill pouring about with the buzz of Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations!
Ganesha Chaturthi vibes all about!!
Recently, there was Lord Vinayaka flavor around me with Ganesh Chaturthi celebration vibes being felt.
I had not partaked in Ganesh Chaturthi festivities for personal reasons, but I knew, just down inside our building compound – Ganesh Pandal was constructed.
After Puja, some nice food as Prasada is generally given to those come - Ladoos, halwa, modak, Sundal and delicacies like that.
Close at home, clay Ganesha was purchased and Dad in his style conducted Ganesha puja ceremony at home, including decking up Lord Vinayaka.
I did not attend Dad’s puja as that was not how I feel connected with Lord Ganesha.
Pounding Goodwill vibes like vapors reaching everyone – inviting all to celebrate being happy!
I have my way of connection with Lord Ganesha. Years ago, I made a clay Ganesha with my own hands, that felt special.
A very special way to welcome Ganesh Chaturthi is with your own handmade eco-friendly Ganesha!!
For me making that clay Ganesha was worship; it filled me with a dedication and excitement, complementing the Ganesh Chaturthi vibes around.
My hand-made Ganesha 3 years ago! Source
Still, I remember, I had to convince my parents a little to use my handmade Ganesha for their pujas, because it was very different from the clay Ganesha they buy from out and use for their pujas.
Sloka chants echoed from below – which was pleasant for my ears to hear as it soothed my soul.
The weather was pleasant, light, carrying the vibrancy of the happening Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations. As Evening set in - rain poured, even then Vinayaka darshan was done as echoes of puja chants were heard. Such was the celebratory energy circling about.
One thing was certain – whether one believed in God or not, good will and wishes were floating in the air like clouds, waving to everyone to enjoy the day’s vibes!
Enjoyed treats as well – Sundal, sweet and salt modaks!
Made using Canva
A day earlier our cook made sweet and salt modak. The sweet modak had coconut -jaggery-peanut filling; I am not certain how the salt one was made, it’s called Kara Kozhukattai.
The general technique of making these modaks involves – threading rice flour with warm water for dough.
This dough will be divided and each part will be stuffed with modak filling and then steamed. I never tried my hands making modaks, although have glimpsed recipes on how to make it.
Kara Kazhukattai, too is made with rice flour, flavoured with mustard, onions, curry leaves, chilli...shaped and then steamed
Someday, I may successfully make modaks on Ganesh Chaturthi.
I brought this modak mould for shaping modaks!
Made using Canva
For Sundal, Kabuli chana is soaked overnight, and then pressured cooked(12-13 whistles) till soft, after which Sundal can be made. I suppose Sundal’s made sautéing it in oil, that’s tempered with mustard and then adding ingredients like coconut, salt, hing, curry leaves. I have not tried making Sundal, so I am not sure.
Definitely, Ganesh Chaturthis is a tasty day for all…yet it’s not just that.
Celebration of goodwill, well-being and enjoyment – Ganesh Chaturthi!
I really did feel Lord Ganesha’s vibes like jingling bells as goodwill knocked – a calling for all to be free to embrace peace, joy and receive Lord Ganesha’s blessings (love), and play our part to spread this flavour by being part and parcel of it.
Lord Ganesha would definitely have liked even me to go down to the Pandal and enjoy the celebratory vibrancy and have a bite or more of all the food served over there – celebrating Lord Ganesha’s joy of being well, eating merrily and enjoying life.
Many of us are struggling in life – yet we ought to be free to enjoy what we have and what we can atleast whenever such times present itself, like Ganesh Chaturthi festivities.
Being healthy and prosperous is not easy, still, Lord Ganesha’s blessings should strengthen us in our efforts to evolve into better fellows – healthier, merrier, living to our fullest potential(:
In that note - My Good Will and positivity embrace to all ... with Lord Ganesha’s Blessings !!