THE festivals of Ganesh Chaturthi and Hartalika Teej celebrated together in the city with great fervour and zeal on Monday. The coincidence of both festivals falling on the same day has created an atmosphere of religious enthusiasm across Sanskardhani. The two festivals have coincided once again after nearly five decades. The last such occurrence was in August 1976. On Hartalika Teej, women observe fasts for their husbands’ long lives, happy married lives and the well-being of their families. Many women observed a ‘nirjala’ (waterless) fast and worshipped Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Unmarried girls also observe this fast in the hope of finding a suitable husband. It is customary to listen to the story of Shiva and Parvati during the worship. There is also great enthusiasm in the city for Ganesh Chaturthi. The installation of Lord Ganesh idols has started in homes and pandals.

 

Devotees are bringing the idols to their homes and celebration venues with drums and great enthusiasm. Attractive pandals have been decorated in various parts of the city. In several places, decoration work is still underway. Markets also remained lively due to the sale of Ganesh idols. Devotees purchased idols according to their preferences. Lord Ganesh, regarded as the remover of obstacles and the deity of wisdom and prosperity, is being worshipped according to traditional rituals. The coincidence of Hartalika Teej and Ganesh Chaturthi is considered religiously significant. Devotees especially enthusiastic about getting the opportunity to worship Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati and their son Lord Ganesh the same day.