Karnal gears up for Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations

Residents of Karnal are gearing up to welcome Lord Ganesha as preparations for Ganesh Chaturthi are in full swing. The festival, which marks the birth of Lord Ganesha, is one of the most celebrated festivals across India. It is observed with prayers, music, dance, and community gatherings. Devotees bring idols of Lord Ganesha into their homes and worship them for periods ranging from one and a half days to 10 days, culminating in the symbolic immersion ritual, ‘Ganesh Visarjan’.

In Karnal, the festive mood has already taken over the markets. Streets are buzzing with activity, with stalls offering decorative items, sweets, flowers, and a wide range of idols of Lord Ganesha. This year, the festival will begin on August 27 and continue with daily prayers and cultural activities. The highlight of the celebration will be the installation of idols in homes and public pandals, followed by aarti and devotional rituals morning and evening.

Adding to the spirit of the festival is a family from Rajasthan that has been part of Karnal’s celebrations for more than two decades. For over 20 years, artisan Kheta Ram and his family have been crafting and selling idols of Lord Ganesha along the roadside near the Old Housing Board. Working from their small workshop in Sector 4, the family uses red clay, chalk clay, and PoP to create idols of varying sizes. Prices range from Rs 200 for smaller idols to nearly Rs 6,000 for larger, intricately designed pieces.

“Every idol is made with faith and love. We want families to take home the blessing of Lord Ganesha in the purest form,” said Kheta Ram, while showcasing his idols. His family has been tirelessly shaping clay and plaster for weeks, ensuring that each idol reflects devotion, artistry, and vibrant tradition.

Meanwhile, the traders of Sarafa Bazaar are going to organise 30th Ganesh Mahotsav, preparations of which are in full swing. A meeting of traders and community leaders was held on Sunday to finalise preparations. The programme will be held on the premises of the Old Sarafa Bazaar Shiv Temple from August 27 to September 4. Lord Ganesha’s idol will be installed on August 27 with full rituals by the chief priest, said Kishore Nagpal, spokesperson of Veopar Mandal.

“Ganesh Chaturthi is not just a festival, it is a time when families and communities come together in devotion and joy,” said Vinay, a devotee.