PANCHA GANAPATI A modern winter festival for Hindus
Daddy, do we get toys for Christmas, too?
WHEN/HOW DID IT ORIGINATE? 1985 Sivaya Subramuniyaswami Founder of Hinduism Today magazine
WHAT IS IT? 5 day festival in December The “family festival of giving” Celebration of Ganesha o “guardian of culture” o For new beginnings Time to mend past mistakes, bond with family, celebrate a new beginning
HOW IS IT CELEBRATED? Make a shrine in the living room o Center: 5-faced statue of Ganesha o Decorations: banana leaves, Durva grass, sugarcane, and garlands of sweet modaka balls Each day: o Children dress/decorate Ganesha in different color (representing 5 shaktis) o Offer tray of sweets, fruits, incense o Chants, bhajans, normal puja stuff o Gifts are placed before Ganesha (unopened) Handmade gifts = best
DECEMBER 21(GOLDEN YELLOW) Goal: create a vibration of love and harmony among immediate family members What is done: o Family wakes up early, decorates shrine o Grand puja to invite Pancha Ganapati to the home o Family sits together, makes amends for misdeeds, offer forgiveness, praise good qualities in each other
DECEMBER 22(ROYAL BLUE) Goal: create a vibration of love and harmony among neighbors, relatives and close friends What is done: o Offer heartfelt gifts and apologies to clear up any ill-will that may exist o Call/write to any distant relatives/friends
DECEMBER 23(RUBY RED) Goal: create a vibration of love and harmony among business associates and the public What is done: o Give gifts to co-workers, customers, etc. o Honor employers and employees with gifts and appreciation o Settle all debts and disputes
DECEMBER 24(EMERALD GREEN) Goal: draw forth the vibration of joy and harmony that comes from music, art, drama and the dance What is done: o Family, relatives and friends gather for satsang in front of Ganesha o Share their artistic gifts, discuss Hindu Dharma and make plans to bring more cultural refinement into the home
DECEMBER 25(BRILLIANT ORANGE) Goal: bring forth love and harmony that comes from charity and religiousness What is done: o 5 special pujas throughout the day o Gifts are opened by everyone at end of last puja o Experience Ganeshas’s abundant, loving presence, filling the home and everyone’s hearts