GANESH FESTIVAL at ABU DHABI, this year, is something very unique and unmissable. Full of novelty in presentation, decor ..and style, that takes the devotion to a different level. Every inch showcasing the grace and glory of the Bharateeya architecture and grandeur.. that you must see it to believe it, shares senior journalist and an Abu Dhabi resident, Mrs. Nandini Nagpurkar.
Here, she recreates the magic of this Ganesh Festival, as she witnessed, for our valued readers..
By NANDINI NARESH NAGPURKAR, Abu Dhabi.
They belong to Abu Dhabi, the home and the work place, they love and adore. India remains as the long cherished memory.
Well, by now all of the world knows that the Ganesh Festival of India has gone truly global. However, if you’d thought, that the Ganesh Festival is observed in all its glory only in India, think again. Despite the fact that things aren’t available here, as easily as in India, it is hardly any challenge. Efforts begin months in advance and the result is both, creative and captivating.
Here is a pictorial recount of what I witnessed in UAE this year..
GANESH FESTIVAL: VARANASI AT ABU DHABI
The mere mention of Varanasi brings back images of the holy river Ganga, its exquisite scenes including the scenic ghats, the boats, the tourists, the mesmerizing Ganga Arti there.. the sacred historical temples in the vicinity.. All of it is recreated by a Marathi family in Abu Dhabi.
Remembrance of Varanasi in a home in Abu Dhabi? Yes, even though they live abroad, the Indians—especially Marathi people—can never forget the ever kind and enigmatic Lord Ganpati Bappa, nor can they forget their homeland. A striking example of this is seen in this Marathi home in the city of Abu Dhabi. The Sarap family residing in this house not only installed an idol of Ganpati Bappa but also set up a remarkable display of the Ganga Aarti.
Thus the goddess river Ganga literally descends in Abu Dhabi, Middle East.. along with a visual display of the Ganga Aarti, scenes from the Ganga Ghat in Varanasi and a replica showing a visual of Prime Minister Modi performing Ganesh Aarti in Varanasi (UP, India).
This scene—featuring Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself standing on the Ghat of the Ganges river is a testimony to the fact that you can not take the core essence of India out of Indians, irrespective of their location.
GANESH FESTIVAL: THE INDIAN MELA
Ms. Suvarna Ashwin Ghadge, recreated this Indian Mela using eco friendly material. Even the batteries used are rechargeable. Just have a closer look to find several Indian Village Mela items therein, made articulately..in great detail. Great job, indeed!
This year’s theme is Carnival / Fun Fair, inspired by the colorful and joyful fairs we enjoyed during our childhood.. back in Bharat. The display showcases various carnival rides such as the giant wheel, tea cups, and merry-go-round, you can also spot a circus tent in there. You can not miss the traditional game stalls such as ring toss and balloon darts, and food stalls featuring favorites like popcorn and sugar-candy. The scene is brought to life in motion.. yes, with people enjoying the rides, playing games, and spending quality time with their families and friends.
GANESH FESTIVAL: GAURI MAHALAKSHMI
Mrs. Surekha and Mr. Narendra Kulkarni have been hosting Lord Ganesha in all its traditional glory at their Abu Dhabi residence since more than 3 decades.
This year, the Kulkarni couple along with friends took elaborate pains over several weeks, to erect an imposing Hemadpanthi architectural style Indian temple look alike. Including the Indian serpent sculpture at the top front. Standing there, right in front of the decoration, you can not help, but feel the majestic temple walls glancing at you in their full majestic aura. It indeed was an unforgettable personal experience for me.
The enthusiastic couple has, since 13 years, been hosting the Gauri Mahalakshmi, matching the grandeur that is witnessed in abundance in their home state in Bharat, that is Maharashtra.. during the annual Ganesh festival. Offcourse, the Gauri Mahalakshmi added to the divine experience, at the Kulkarni household. The Puja rituals including the arti, was just the same in rendition, energy and exuberance as back home.
This reminds me of the huge fort like walls that I saw at a household. Check this image.
Created by Jitendra Vaidya and his better-half Mrs. Leena Vaidya, celebrating the 25th year of Ganeshotsava at their household in UAE, matching with Indian fruits, beautiful lamps, exquisitely carved Puja items and a visibly happy Ganapati Bappa, smiling at you.
What more, does one ask for?
(Image Credits: Respective Families)
