Festive Spirit

 
He arrives with gulal in the air
Marigolds blooming, devotion everywhere.
An idol of clay, yet alive with spirit,
Our love for Him we shall inherit.
By His side waits the Mushak so small, Teaching that no creature is lesser at all.
The kitchen glows, soft modaks appear,
Jaggery’s sweetness, a festival to cheer.
In his presence people unite,
Neighborsbathe in festive lights.
One voice, one rhythm, one song so strong,
In a divided world, he helps us to belong.
Yet, joy is a shadow when farewell is near,
The chants grow deeper, eyes clear.
“Ganpati Bappa Morya! Don’t leave today,
O protector, O guide, O light of our way.”
Children’s eyes glisten, their playmate departs,
Mothers sigh softly with grief in their heart.
But even while parting, His lesson is clear:
Celebrate each moment, hold joy ever near.
For though the waves carry Him far from sight,
His spirit remains as a beacon of light.
And so we wait, with passion renewed,
For the friend, the protector, the spirit imbued.

 
By Madhura Donode