Sreelakshmi Pulapet’s Post

Ganesh Chaturthi: The festival that Shapes Communities and Ecosystems An estimated 20 lakh Ganesh pandals have been set up across India for the festival, which falls on September 7 this year. Maharashtra leads with over 7 lakh pandals, followed by Karnataka with 5 lakh, and Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Madhya Pradesh with approximately 2 lakh each. With a minimum expenditure of ₹50,000 per pandal, the total spending on setup, decorations, and rituals alone exceeds ₹10,000 crore. The production and sale of Ganesha idols generate over ₹500 crore, with flowers and coconuts contributing an additional ₹500 crore. Modaks and other sweets push sales beyond ₹2,000 crore, while catering services add nearly ₹3,000 crore. The festival significantly boosts local tourism and transportation by approximately ₹2,000 crore and retail by ₹3,000 crore. Event management companies also benefit, earning around ₹5,000 crore during the festivities. Indian communities abroad, including those in the US, UK, and Australia, import Ganesha idols to celebrate the festival. This practice not only brings joy to devotees but also contributes to India's exports, further enhancing its global economic presence.

The post-Diwali days are among the toughest in the annual calendar, I believe, but the Question of Cities team has put together a fab edition for our growing (am i happy or happy?) community of readers and users. In it, are a plateful of essays on how the city life has changed Diwali foods and how there are a variety of festival foods beyond the ones we are familiar with. Dig into the essay by the one-and-only Shubhra Chatterji for the latter here https://lnkd.in/dwxAWD25 and a number of thought-provoking insights in this double-header interview with Rushina Munshaw Ghildiyal and Ruth Dsouza Prabhu here https://lnkd.in/dUr6d7Mq And, finally, I wrote a bit too for this edition diving into festivals and public spaces in our cities, who uses them and how, what they stand for and so on. https://lnkd.in/dAsu72BN Did Question of Cities not look at ecology and all that? That's there, of course, in another post :)

Read this amazing piece and all the others from our latest edition on the Question of Cities website

Many festivals originated as rituals to ward off evil spirits, reflecting a universal desire for protection and good fortune. Celebrations often include loud noises, like fireworks during Chinese New Year, thought to scare away malevolent forces, while seasonal events connect prosperity with protection. In the UAE, National Day features fireworks and festive displays that symbolize good fortune and honor. Festivals across religions share this theme: Christmas lights and Easter’s renewal symbolize hope, while Hanukkah’s candles represent resilience. These traditions—Diwali lamps, protective symbols during Passover, and lucky foods in Lunar New Year—unite people worldwide in the pursuit of positivity, comfort, and well-being. Shabana TajassumNikhil KataraAthiti SubramaniamNarin ChauhanPushkin ShanivYash GangwaniHimanshi Kaur

5 Must-See Festivals in Bhutan: A Journey Through Culture and Tradition. 1. Bhutan Echoes: A literary and cultural festival in Thimphu 2. Thimphu Tshechu: One of Bhutan's largest traditional festivals 3. Royal Highland Festival: A celebration of nomadic culture in Laya 4. Black-Necked Crane Festival: An eco-conscious event in Phobjikha Valley 5. Druk Wangyel Festival: A patriotic celebration near Dochula Pass Bhutan's unique charm, nestled in the majestic Himalayas! Key points 1. Bhutan's location in the Himalayas offers captivating and panoramic mountain views. 2. The kingdom provides a sanctuary for travelers seeking to unwind in nature. 3. From June to September, Bhutan offers moderate weather (15-30°C) with gentle rainfall, ideal for a tranquil getaway. 4. Bhutan is easily accessible from India via a short plane ride. 5. The country is known for Thimphu, Buddhist culture, serene landscapes, and its focus on gross national happiness. 6. Bhutan hosts over 163 vibrant festivals throughout the year. Have you experienced any of these mentioned festivals in Bhutan? I'd love to hear your stories!" Be Blessed and Keep Xploring!

BOSE Talks 🎤 Ganesh Puja celebrations in Maharashtra and all over India 🙏 . Ganesh Puja, also known as Ganesh Chaturthi, is one of the most widely celebrated festivals in Maharashtra and across India. Here's an overview of its significance and the way it's celebrated: . Significance~ - **Deity**: Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed god, is revered as the remover of obstacles and the god of wisdom and prosperity. - **Cultural Importance**: The festival symbolizes the arrival of Ganesha into the homes of devotees, marking a time of joy, devotion, and communal harmony. . Celebrations in Maharashtra~ - **Duration**: The festival typically lasts for 10 days, culminating in Anant Chaturdashi, when the idols are immersed in water. - **Idol Creation**: Artisans create elaborate idols of Ganesha, which vary in size and intricacy. - **Puja Rituals**: The rituals include chanting of mantras, offering flowers, fruits, and sweets (especially modaks, which are Ganesha's favorite). - **Cultural Events**: Many communities organize cultural events, including music, dance, and drama, celebrating Ganesha's mythology. . Celebrations Across India~ - **Regional Variations**: While Maharashtra has grand celebrations, states like Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal also celebrate with unique local customs. - **Public Celebrations**: Many communities set up public pandals (temporary structures) to host large idols, fostering a sense of community. - **Immersion Procession**: On the last day, a grand procession takes place, where idols are paraded through the streets before immersion in rivers, lakes, or the sea. . Social and Environmental Aspects~ - **Community Bonding**: The festival promotes unity and cooperation among neighbors and communities. - **Environmental Awareness**: In recent years, there has been a push towards eco-friendly idols and immersion practices to protect water bodies. . Ganesh Puja is not just a religious event; it's a cultural phenomenon that brings people together in celebration, devotion, and community spirit. Whether in the grand processions of Mumbai or smaller gatherings in other parts of India, the essence of Ganesh Chaturthi remains a joyous and significant occasion for millions. . #ganeshpuja #ganeshchaturthi @copied

Greetings Everyone, The Festival season is upon us and the next few months will see all kinds of festivals that showcase the diversity of our great nation, India. I hope it is enjoyable, in real, for you all out there. I have been reading a book called My Gita by Devdutt Pattanaik. It is a very interesting book and I just read something which I believe, is of great importance to all of us: 'Arjuna, better to do what you have been asked to do imperfectly than try to do perfectly what others have been asked to. All work has inadequacies; even fire is enveloped by smoke ' - Bhagavad Gita: Chapter 18, verses 47 and 48 ( paraphrased). Think about the above which also goes with Krishna telling Arjuna to focus on dharma in his context ( sva-dharma) rather than dharma in another's context ( para-dharma). These words are so important in our daily lives and our interactions with others. Have a good day.

Discover the Hidden Gem of Cultural Richness: Bhutan's Festival Calendar 🇧🇹✨ Bhutan, the land of Gross National Happiness, offers a unique window into ancient Buddhist traditions through its vibrant festivals. These tshechus are not just celebrations; they're living museums of Bhutanese culture. From the battle reenactments of Punakha Drubchen to the mesmerizing mask dances of Paro Tshechu, each festival tells a story. The Ura Yakchoe's sacred relic display and the Haa Summer Festival's showcase of valley culture paint a diverse picture of Bhutanese life. Don't miss the Matsutake Mushroom Festival, a culinary delight, or the grand Thimphu Tshechu, Bhutan's largest cultural gathering. The mysterious midnight naked dance at Jambay Lhakhang Drup adds an element of intrigue to the spiritual landscape. These festivals are more than spectacles; they're lessons in cultural preservation and sustainable tourism. As professionals, we can draw inspiration from Bhutan's balance of tradition and progress. Experiencing these festivals offers invaluable insights into work-life balance and cultural mindfulness. It's a chance to broaden our global perspective and infuse our corporate cultures with newfound wisdom. Ready to embark on a journey of cultural discovery? Learn more about Bhutan's fascinating festival calendar and plan your next transformative experience! Click here to explore the full Bhutan Festival Calendar and start your journey: https://lnkd.in/gqUW_9VJ #BhutanFestivals #CulturalTourism #ProfessionalDevelopment #GlobalPerspectives #SustainableTourism #WorkLifeBalance #CorporateCulture #TravelInspiration

Holi, the festival of colors, is a vibrant celebration deeply rooted in Indian culture, and it has also gained popularity in various parts of the globe. In Assam, particularly, Assamese people often flock to the Barpeta district for a spiritual rendition of the Holi festival. Beyond its surface-level revelry, Holi holds numerous health and social benefits that enrich the lives of participants- A) Holi transcends barriers of caste, creed, and status, bringing people together in a colorful world of unity and joy. B) The lively ambiance, filled with vibrant colors and energetic music, serves as a refreshing escape from the monotony of daily life, offering a much-needed respite from stress and anxiety. C) Engaging in playful activities involving colors stimulates the production of white blood cells and antibodies, thereby bolstering the immune system and promoting overall health. D) Dancing and physical activities during Holi festivities contribute to improved cardiovascular health by enhancing blood circulation and reducing blood pressure levels. E) Holi encourages individuals to unleash their creativity and express themselves freely through the splendor of colors, allowing for a truly enriching and liberating experience. F) The festival provides a platform for people to come together, exchange sweets, share gifts, and bond over joyous celebrations, thereby nurturing and strengthening interpersonal relationships. G) As a celebration of the onset of spring, Holi underscores the beauty of nature's renewal and reminds us of the importance of living in harmony with our environment. These facets collectively highlight how Holi transcends mere revelry, offering a holistic experience that nourishes both the body and soul, fostering individual well-being and community cohesion in equal measure. What's your most cherished memory or tradition associated with Holi, or if you haven't celebrated it, what's one thing you'd love to experience during this colorful festival?

Exposing Indian festivals to youth is crucial for instilling cultural values, preserving heritage, and fostering national pride. By engaging youngsters in vibrant festivals like Navratri, Diwali, Holi, Eid, and Ganesh Chaturthi, we can help them connect with their roots and appreciate the diversity of Indian traditions. Participating in folk dances, traditional attire, and cultural events enables youth to develop empathy, inclusivity, and community spirit. Moreover, understanding the historical and spiritual significance of festivals encourages critical thinking, creativity, and values-based living. Schools, colleges, and community organizations can organize festival-themed workshops, competitions, and celebrations to make cultural education interactive and enjoyable. Digital platforms can also be leveraged to share engaging content, webinars, and cultural exchange programs. By exposing youth to Indian festivals, we empower them to become cultural ambassadors, preserving India's rich heritage for future generation.