Ganesh Chaturti

Ganesh Chaturthi is one of the biggest festivals of Goa, and it is celebrated lavishly. Families travel across the country and sometimes the globe to be together at this time of year. The preparations for this festival begin months in advance. The festival begins at home with the purchase and ceremonial installation of a clay murti (statue). Families decorate a room by putting a matoli (a wooden canopy) adorned with flowers, seasonal vegetables and fruits before God is brought home and placed on an altar. The room is brightly lit with fairy lights adding to the cheerful hues of the decorations. Domestic celebrations end with the immersion of the idol after 1½, 5, 7, 9 or 11 days. The ladies of the house prepare Modaks( a sweet dumpling) which is a favourite of Lord Ganesh apart from Nevri, Besan Laddu and other savoury dishes which are served on banana leaves. On all days Pooja is performed and artis(devotional hymns) are sung accompanied by instruments like Ghumot and Taal. There are many rituals conducted during the festival and on the last day the idol is immersed in a water body (river, sea, lake, well, or pond). Various competitions are held during the celebrations like rangoli competition, and fancy dress competitions. The main highlight is sound and light show depicting the Gods of Hinduism.