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Holiday Traditions – Joyous Pancha Ganpati

By Sonal S. (ComeGo)

 

Pancha Ganapati, a five day festival celebrated from December 21 through 25, is a Hindu festival in celebration of Lord Ganesha, Patron of Arts and Guardian of Culture.

Pancha Ganpati is a modern festival. It was conceived in 1985 by the founder of the publication “Hinduism Today” to offer Hindu families a way in the West to celebrate a time for celebration, gift giving, food and family in the month of December which sees many other celebrations such as Christmas, Hanukah and Kwanzaa.

 

 

Pancha Ganpati includes outings, picnics, feasts and exchange of cards and gifts with relatives, friends and business associates. 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 statue of Lord Panchamukha (“five-faced”) Ganpati, a form of Ganesha – the elephant headed Hindu God of wisdom. It lasts five days- paanch (five in Hindi) from December 21-25. Each day is associated with a color and a ritual/meaning.

 

Yellow on 12/21 – Prayers, shrine setup, asking for blessings

 

Red on 12/22 – Gifts and apologies to family and friends

 

Blue on 12/23 – Gifts and thanks to employees and business associates

 

Green on 12/24 – Arts and cultural programs

 

Orange on 12/25 – Thanks and prayers to God, blessings for the new year are sought!

 

Hindu Festivals by Swasti Mitter

 

 

Ganesha – Remover of Obstacles by Manuela Dunn Mascetti

 

Eternal Ganesha by Gita Mehta

 

 

 

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3 Responses to “Holiday Traditions – Joyous Pancha Ganpati”

  1. Jerelyn H. (I-F-Letty) says:

    Thanks Sonal,

    This is one of the things that always makes me grateful for PBS. I can’t imagine where else I would have learned about Pancha Ganpati.

  2. Diane G. (icesk8tr) , says:

    Wow!! That was really interesting!! I love learning about new things that are not part of my heritage!!

  3. VOSTROMO says:

    As the husband of an Indian princess (so she claims) — cool

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