Looking forward to new beginnings

CHENNAI: Vinayaka Chathurthi is believed to be the day when Lord Ganesha bestows blessings on all his devotees.
It is a common tradition for families to buy clay idols of the god on the day of the festival.
"We decorate a small wooden stool with a kolam and take it to the shop to bring the idol home. Along with the small clay statuete of the lord, we also buy a clay figurine of a mouse which is kept on the stool.Then we look for the little umbrella which is used to shield both objects," said B Siva, an employee of a private company.
Certain varieties of flowers and a particular type of grass are used to decorate the idol.
"My friends and I normally look for a variety of flowers which grows along the railway tracks. It tends to pop like bubble wrap. This is the flower that we use to make garlands for the idol," N Vivek, a freelance writer, said.
Believed to cleanse the house and family members of any ills, the idol is worshipped by the family once it is brought home.
"Vinayaka's favourite dishes , the modaka and a variety of sundal, are prepared as a part of the festive rituals. People also go for a walk in the evening and visit a few temples on their way. Every small temple is decorated for the occasion ," V Hema, a homemaker , added.
Though these are the broad rituals that are followed for the festival, each culture follows its own specifics.
For instance, a section of people believe that it is bad luck to look upon the moon during Vinayaka Chathurthi while another deems it inauspicious to have the clay idol crack at home, thereby ensuring that it is immersed within three days.
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