In today’s times, when most of us live in compact nuclear households, festivals often feel different from the vibrant celebrations of our childhood. Back then, grandparents led the rituals, cousins ran about, and homes brimmed with extended family. As parents of a new-age generation, we sometimes wonder how much of that richness our children will inherit. This year, in our own small way, we tried to bridge that gap by welcoming Ganpati Bappa into our home for the very first time.
It was a wish that had been close to Jeehan’s heart since his early school years — and suddenly, this year, both my husband and I felt the urge to make it happen. Together, as a family of three, we chose an eco-friendly idol of Bal Ganesh in Krishna Avataar. For one and a half days, Bappa wasn’t just in our living room, but in our hearts.
The highlight for me was seeing the divine glow on Bappa’s face — radiating a serenity that filled our home with overwhelming love. Beyond rituals, what touched us most was how Bappa brought everyone together. Relatives we hadn’t seen in months, friends we’d lost touch with, and even neighbors we usually only exchanged smiles with — all dropped by for darshan. Jeehan, our Gen-Z teen, happily welcomed his friends too, and even took turns helping in the seva. Our home turned into a space of togetherness, prayer, laughter, and warmth.
Hosting was a joy in itself — welcoming people, serving sweets, sharing stories. We weren’t perfect in our rituals, but we realized the heart matters more than precision.
Practical Tips for Hosting Ganesh Chaturthi at Home
For working nuclear families like ours, balancing tradition with everyday life can feel daunting. Here are a few simple must-dos that helped us keep the celebrations meaningful yet stress-free:
- Choose an Eco-Friendly Idol – Pick one that’s biodegradable and easy to immerse at home or in a society pool. This keeps faith aligned with sustainability.
- Keep Décor Simple – A clean, vibrant corner with flowers, lights, and a backdrop works beautifully without adding clutter.
- Plan Ahead for Prasad & Food – Prepare easy, traditional sweets like modaks or order them in. Keep water and snacks handy for guests.
- Set Visiting Hours Gently – Let friends and family know the best times for darshan so you can manage both hosting and rest.
- Arrange Immersion Smoothly – Decide in advance where and when visarjan will take place. Keep towels, water, and light snacks ready.
- Create a Devotional Playlist – Line up aartis, bhajans, and chants so music flows naturally through the day. It sets the mood and helps during prayer.
- Fix Aarti Timings – Even if short, stick to morning and evening aartis. It gives structure and helps everyone participate.
- Delegate & Involve Family – Assign roles — flower arranging, receiving guests, prasad distribution. Kids feel included, and it lightens your load.
- Pause for Gratitude – Amid the rituals, take a quiet moment as a family to reflect, pray, and give thanks.
All of this made the entire experience smoother, lighter, and far more joyful than we had imagined. Instead of getting caught up in the stress of managing rituals and guests, we were able to focus on what truly mattered — the warmth of welcoming Bappa home and the happiness of sharing that moment with our loved ones.
As we bid farewell and immersed our Bal Ganesh idol, I whispered a prayer of gratitude — and a request that if we made any mistakes in our rituals, Bappa forgives us. What remains is the memory of love, togetherness, and a heart full of blessings.
For us, this first Ganesh Chaturthi at home became more than just a festival — it was a reminder that traditions can be carried forward with simplicity, sincerity, and love. And that is a legacy we hope to keep alive for our son, and for generations to come.
|| Vakratunda Mahakaya Suryakoti Samaprabha,
Nirvighnam Kuru Me Deva,
Sarva Kaaryeshu Sarvada ||
