The Spirit Of Ganesha: Celebrating Faith In A Fast-Paced World

In the frenetic pulse of India’s urban sprawl, where time slips away like sand and space is a precious commodity, Ganesh Chaturthi refuses to fade into the shadows. It thrives on cramped apartment balconies, in the lively buzz of community WhatsApp groups, and through eco-friendly celebration kits. The festival adapts, weaving itself into the fabric of modern life with quiet, unshakable resilience.

This year, on August 29, I decided to bring Ganpati home for the first time. The day before, I dropped the bombshell on my family. Seasoned veterans of my spontaneous declarations, they barely blinked. But as my words sank in, the inevitable question followed, laced with curiosity and a hint of scepticism: “Why would you want to do that?” My answer was simple: “Because I want to.”

The next 24 hours were a whirlwind of anxiety and activity. We scoured the market for the perfect clay idol, its gentle curves painted with care under the flicker of evening lights. Laddoos were sourced from a local sweet maker, their golden hue promising sweetness. Invites zipped through our phones, and we arranged evening tea and prasad, outsourcing some tasks to home chefs who worked their magic. We stirred kheer with love, adorned the space with vibrant rose and marigold garlands, and against all odds, we nailed it.

My heart glowed brighter when the neighbourhood children gathered for the aarti, their voices rising in fervent devotion as the house resounded with cries of Ganpati Bappa Morya, Mangal Murti Morya. A friend from Australia stayed up late to witness Ganpati’s presence, mindful of the tradition that he should not be left alone. The night overflowed with chitter-chatter, giggles, and warmth shared among family and friends, a tapestry of joy woven around our beloved deity.

More than just a tradition

For the next generation, growing up in the cutthroat arenas of metro cities, this connection to spirituality is more vital than ever. It’s not just about lighting a lamp or chanting a prayer; it’s about showing them that, amidst the race for success, there’s a deeper well of meaning to draw from, a quiet strength that steadies the soul. 

My neighbour’s sons, both settled in the U.S., visit India two to three times a year. When I ask why they return so often, they smile and say, “Pran Shakti is in India.” Their words echo the magnetic pull of this land’s chaos, colours, and spirit-a heartbeat that calls us home. In today’s whirlwind of digital noise, it’s easy to lose sight of what grounds us. Yet our traditions, our cultural heritage, are the roots that anchor us, offering a sense of belonging in a world that spins relentlessly forward.

Ganesh Chaturthi is more than a festival; it’s a vibrant ecosystem. From the flower-seller stringing marigolds at dawn to the sweet-maker crafting perfect modaks, from the artisan shaping clay to the clash cymbals and dholak player setting the rhythm for an aarti, it breathes life into livelihoods. It’s a pause in the relentless march of the year, a moment to step away from screens and shopping carts to gather, connect, and simply be.

Ganesha, in his infinite forms, whispers timeless lessons: Start before you’re ready because waiting for the perfect moment is a trap. Hold space for joy and reverence because life’s sweetest moments dance between the two. Say goodbye with grace because every ending is a chance to let go without fear.

If this festival teaches us anything, it’s that life is fleeting, but the spirit endures. So make it count - light the lamp, sing the aarti, and let India’s energy fill your soul. I will make it count for as long as I can because I firmly believe that a rooted heart is a joyful one.

Authored by Radhika Dhingra | Views expressed by the author are their own.