Here’s how South Indians celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi

Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated across India with a lot of excitement and grandeur. It marks the birth anniversary of Lord Ganesha, the lord of wisdom, prosperity, knowledge and good fortune. It is believed that on Ganesh Chaturthi, we welcome the lord home and the festivities only come to an end after ten days on Anant Chaturdashi. While the festival is celebrated with fun and food across India, South Indian states also commemorate the occasion with much fervour. Here’s how South Indians celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi.

In Karnataka, the festival is celebrated on a grand scale. The celebrations for Ganesh Chaturthi begins much before the actual date of the event. People start by cleaning their homes to welcome Lord Ganesh to a neat and decorated space. Delicious regional delicacies such as Payasam, Gojju, Kosambari, Modakam, Mosaru Bhajji etc. are prepared and offered to the lord on a banana leaf. Coconut has a special place in South India in the celebration of auspicious events. Foods like coconut rice and coconut laddoos are made for Lord Ganesh. Thalis made of willow is exchanged among married women with ingredients like turmeric, rice, flowers, fruits and cereals. In Andhra Pradesh and other southern states, public processions and celebration also take place. However, in the light of COVID-19, the plans for the current year are unclear.

In south Indian states of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu & Andhra Pradesh, Gauri or Gowri Habba is celebrated one day before Ganesh Habba or Ganesh Chaturthi. This day is dedicated to worshipping Goddess Gauri, who is the mother of Lord Ganesh. The celebration is based on the belief that first Goddess Gauri is greeted into the house of the devotee, and Lord Ganesh is welcomed the next day. This event is known as ‘Hartalika’ in north India. This day is usually celebrated by married women, who wear new traditional saris or dresses and worship the goddess. On this day, women make ‘Arishinadagauri’, which is an idol of Goddess Gowri crafted with turmeric. The idol is also adorned with mango flowers and leaves.

On dual occasions of welcoming Goddess Gauri & Lord Ganesha to our homes, many savouries and sweets are prepared in south India. Foods such as Bajjis, Chitranna, Payasam, Obattu etc. are made and also served as ‘prasadam’ to friends and family. However, first, the preparations are offered to the lord during the puja and only then are given to anyone else.