Happy Pancha Ganapati

[Guest guest]

Happy Pancha Ganapati!Hinduism Today

 

Yuletide is not a Hindu holiday, but we have our own December gift-giving festival

Daddy, why don't we have Christmas?

what do we do? Don't we get presents, too? " Those questions were heard

in so many Hindu homes some 20 years ago that it inspired us to create

a new holiday based on time-honored traditions. Pancha Ganapati, a

five-day festival celebrated from December 21 through 25, has since become a favorite in homes all over the world. The winter solstice

has always been a festive time of year in all countries, religions and

among Hindus especially, for it is a traditional season for the worship

of Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed Lord of Culture and the Arts.

Since most Hindus do not celebrate Christmas, they often find it

difficult to relate in a meaningful way to those who do. Their children

are often embarrassed when asked why they don't receive gifts like

their friends. Adults feel the need to give gifts and mail greeting

cards as well as accept them from relatives, neighbors, friends and

business associates. The five days of Pancha Ganapati offer a Hindu

expression of this natural season of worship, gift-giving and

celebration.

During each of the five days of Pancha Ganapati, a special

sadhana, spiritual discipline, is focused upon by the entire family. A

shrine is created in the main living room of the home and decorated in

the spirit of this festive occasion.

At the center is placed a large wooden or bronze five-faced murti of

Lord Pancha Ganapati. If this is not available, any large picture or

statue of Lord Ganesha will do. Lord Ganesha is often depicted as

coming from the forest; therefore, pine boughs (or banana leaves) may

be used. Flashing lights, tinsel and colorful hanging ornaments may

also be added. Each morning the children dress or decorate Ganesha anew

in a different color: golden yellow on December 21, then royal blue,

ruby red, emerald green and finally brilliant orange--the colors of His

five powers, or shaktis.

Each day a tray of sweets, fruits and incense is offered to Lord

Ganapati, often prepared and presented by the children. Chants, songs

and bhajanas are sung in His praise. After puja, the abundant, diverse

sweets are shared by one and all as prasada. Each day gifts are given

to the children, who place them before Pancha Ganapati to open only on

the fifth day. Greeting cards, ideally made by the children, offer

Hindu art and wisdom, such as verses from the Vedas.

 

Now we shall explain the special significance and observances for each of the five days of Pancha Ganapati:

December 21, yellow: The family sadhana for the first day of Pancha Ganapati is to create a vibration of love and harmony among immediate family members.

The day begins early, and the entire family works together to design

and decorate the shrine with traditional symbols, rangoli, lamps and

more. Then a grand puja is performed invoking the spirit

of Pancha Ganapati in the home. The sadhana of the day now begins. The

family sits together for the purpose of easing any strained

relationships that have arisen during the year by making amends one

with another. When forgiveness is offered to all by one and all, they

speak of each other's good qualities and resolve that in the days ahead

they will remember the futility of trying to change others. Gifts are

then exchanged and placed unopened before Pancha Ganapati.

December 22,

blue: Day two is devoted to creating a vibration of love and harmony

among neighbors, relatives and close friends and presenting them with

heartfelt gifts. The sadhana of the day is to offer apologies and clear

up any misunderstandings that exist. Relatives and friends in far-off

places are written to or called, forgiveness is sought, apologies made

and tensions released. Each day, gifts received are placed unopened

before Pancha Ganapati.

December 23,

red: The sadhana for the third day is to create a vibration of love and

harmony among business associates, the casual merchant and the public

at large. This is the day for presenting gifts to fellow workers and

customers and to honor employers and employees with gifts and

appreciation. The sadhana today is the settling of all debts and

disputes.

December 24,

green: The sadhana of day four is to draw forth the vibration of joy

and harmony that comes from music, art, drama and the dance. Family,

relatives and friends gather for satsang to share and enjoy their

artistic gifts. Then all sit together before Ganesha, Patron of Arts

and Guardian of Culture, discussing Hindu Dharma and making plans to

bring more cultural refinements into the home.

December 25,

orange: The family sadhana for the final day is to bring forth love and

harmony within all three worlds. Because of sadhanas well performed

during the first four days, the family is now more open and aware of

Ganesha's grace, and their love for Him is now overflowing. On this day

the entire family experiences an outpouring of love and tranquility

from the great God Himself. His blessings fill the home and the hearts

of everyone within it, inspiring them anew for the coming year. Jai

Ganapati!