The Ganpatti statue in my sister-in-law’s street was taken for visarjan (immersion) last night. These immersions happen on various days over the course of the Ganesh Chaturthi festival. Popular days include the third, fifth, seventh, tenth, and of course the last (and most exuberant) day. There are no hard and fast rules as to how long Ganpatti should stay.
As with most things in India, the message behind the action is important, and poignant.
From what I can understand, the curious practice of immersion symbolizes the return of Lord Ganesh from the earth after satisfying his devotees’ wishes. More over, it serves as a reminder of the impermanence of everything in life, and the constantly changing state of the universe. Form eventually gives away to formlessness. However, the energy still remains.
The message definitely hits home with me. On more than one occasion, I’ve found myself thinking that the Ganpatti statues are far to beautiful to be immersed and subsequently destroyed. I want to salvage them and bring them home, to keep appreciating their beauty. Ah, but attachment to beauty only brings pain in the end, when the beauty starts to fade over time.
Ganpatti Bappa was given an enthusiastic send off of last night, with a maha (great) street party. It was one of the most incredible spectacles I’d even seen. For most of the time, I just stood there, in awe that I was in India and a part of it.
Ganpatti installed in the truck.
The celebration got underway as the statue was carried out and lifted into a large truck. Crackers exploded, and fireworks decorated the sky.
Ganpatti close up.
I took a lingering look at the Ganpatti statue, knowing that he would soon be destroyed.
Then, the music started. And, so too did the dancing. Red powder was thrown everywhere. And white foam spayed.
Party time!
We tied orange “Ganpatti Bappa, Morya” (long live Lord Ganesh) ribbons around our heads. Even babies wore one.
So cute! Ganpatti Bappa, Morya.
Middle aged housewives danced more fervently than 20 year olds. My sister-in-law included!
Dance!
My sister-in-law (orange dress) loves to dance.
The street party continued until after midnight, when the Ganpatti statue departed for immersion. There was no alcohol, or drugs. Just people high on festive spirit. I couldn’t help again thinking of the contrast between India and the West. At home, many people would’ve been drunk at such a party. The “grown ups” would’ve demanded that the music be turned down. And they certainly wouldn’t have danced for hours to the same music as the “younger generation”.
At one stage during the night, I found myself being pulled into a huge circle and dancing the Garba. It started raining. Then it started pouring. Everyone, including myself, kept dancing. At last, I got to experience the simple pleasure from being spontaneous in India!
Related Posts:
- Ganesh Photos from Ganesh Chaturthi
- Ganesh Chaturthi and the Maha Prasad
- Ganpatti Bappa
- The Public Display of Death in India
- New Year’s Eve 2008/09
- The Firangi Kitty Party
- Bed Sheet from Orissa
- My Mehendi Party
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That sounds like you had great time which is great! Just looking at those photos looks like everyone had great time too, I can understand what you mean about how pretty and beautiful those statues are and what shame it is to destroy them, but then where their comes destruction must come good as well. I wish that I was their looks like it was blast! I have loved to been their. I hope that you don’t mind but if I blog about you page here. I will be including the link to it as well, I have been wonder what to blog about and your site and the festivals gave in idea.
Girl, i am blown away by the beauty of this post. Very well written.
“” Ah, but attachment to beauty only brings pain in the end, when the beauty starts to fade over time.”"
“Attachment” is the source of all pain and joy in this world.
Anyways, i am missing a certain “white indian housewife” in the dancing crowd…..where is her pic??
Wonderful photos! It is nice to know that you can have a great time with out alcohol or drugs.
Hey, where’s the other Ronny gone? This one’s far too nice!
I know, my pic is noticably absent. The camera battery became flat and the few pics I had of myself were blurry (some Indians aren’t the best at using a camera! 
). Look out for pics of me at the visarjan celebrations on the last day of the festival though!
Nicki18229 — of course, you’re welcome to blog about my page.
“Hey, where’s the other Ronny gone? This one’s far too nice!”
Hahahahaha……which Ronny do u like more???? This “nice one” or The Great One.
“some Indians aren’t the best at using a camera!
”
You can’t blame them yaarr.
lol
Its very difficult to focus on the camera when an awesome beauty is infront of it
“Look out for pics of me at the visarjan celebrations”
Of , Course.
Hi Sharell,
I’m a new reader, belgian expat in Algeria, housewive too.
I found your blog while I was a little depressed and it’s been confusing for me to read it: it’s me!!!! loll I see the same things, I feel the same feelings. And as bizarre as it can be, Algeria is not so different than India. I recognized all the situations you describe!
I’ve got a blog too (in french), but I can’t be honest like you, about my feelings for example. My family read it, and I don’t want them to be worried about me. As far as remember, all my life, they’ve always been worried, so now, when I’m not feeling good, I don’t share it, because they will think that I’m unhappy all the time. I don’t think they are able to say that it’s just a normal bad patch.
Anyway, I love your blog, and I just wanted to let you know!
Bye!
Hi Nomanne, and welcome! I’ve deliberately not told my family (and most of my friends) about my blog just so I can express myself more freely. Is it possible for you to start another blog and keep it a “secret?”. I’m sure there are plenty of similarities between India and Algeria. You definitely must be experiencing the same rollercoaster as me. So many highs and lows! Anyway, I’m glad you don’t think you’re the only one going through all this stuff now. Hope it’s some comfort to you (after the confusion!). Thanks so much for the positive feedback.
hey Sharell… i love ur posts so much…i feel like tweeting about them so that other people can read ‘em too… would u mind if i Re-tweet ur posts?
Hey Neha, please feel free to tweet as much as you want. I’d be honoured!
I think I’ll do that! Maybe in English… (a lot of work …lol).
“i feel like tweeting about them so that other people can read ‘em too”
Oh well….our Sharell is getting a publicist for free…….
Thats great.
Some people have all the luck…….
Hey Nomanne
Plz write a blog in english.
i wanna know about algeria.
It’s publicity of for India too Ronny!
good post! I would like to include it in my blogroll..Can i?
Of course!
Oh you write so well
… I loved the philosophical/spiritual knowledge in this post… Would love to be a part of this celebration some day… Thank you!!
Thank you for the compliment!
I really hope you get to experience this festival someday too. Without a doubt, it’s my favourite festival in India. It’s magical, but the depth of the meaning behind it is even more powerful. India just amazes me in this regard. It’s part of the reason why I enjoy living there so much.