Vinayagamania

Ganesh chaturthi has become a high profile event over the past few years, thanks to the Shiv Sainiks et al, and the discount offers ranging from mobile phones to brand new cars.

Lord Ganesha is rather a down-to-earth sort of God. He doesn't ask for luxurious temples. Even an 'arasa maram' becomes sacred when Ganesha idol is incorporated underneath the tree.

Maybe we should entitle Vinaayaga "Lord of the People" for His humble residence, ready-as-you-go blessings, and charismatic personification.

People make all sorts of vinaayaga idols, keeping Him updated of the current affairs and their priorities. Kargil Vinaayagar is one classic example.

And the delicious dishes people make on this occasion is chanceless. The sundal with coconut scrapes, the white 'kozhukkattai' with a sweet semifluid inside, and an onion-shaped 'chuwingam' (not chewing gum) are the special declicacies of the day. As I go for my evening walk, the streets are clean - swept and washed, and unusually fragrant. Seerkazhi Govindarajan's high-decibel, inimitable voice echoes, 'Vinaayaganae, vinay theerpavanae...'

The sad part of the rituals is when they immerse the beautiful idols in water. But like Phoenix, Ganesha will emerge - not from ashes, but from clay - into different forms, but with the same spirit of religious symbolism and revival.