PANCHA GANAPATI A modern winter festival for Hindus

PANCHA GANAPATI A modern winter festival for Hindus

a. Daddy, do we get toys for Christmas, too?

WHEN/HOW DID IT ORIGINATE? a. 1985 b. Sivaya Subramuniyaswami c. Founder of Hinduism Today magazine

WHAT IS IT? a. 5 day festival in December b. The “family festival of giving” c. Celebration of Ganesha a. b. “guardian of culture” For new beginnings d. Time to mend past mistakes, bond with family, celebrate a new beginning

HOW IS IT CELEBRATED? a. Make a shrine in the living room a. b. Center: 5 -faced statue of Ganesha Decorations: banana leaves, Durva grass, sugarcane, and garlands of sweet modaka balls b. Each day: Children dress/decorate Ganesha in different color (representing 5 shaktis) b. Offer tray of sweets, fruits, incense c. Chants, bhajans, normal puja stuff d. Gifts are placed before Ganesha (unopened) a. Handmade gifts = best

DECEMBER 21(GOLDEN YELLOW) a. Goal: create a vibration of love and harmony among immediate family members b. What is done: a. b. c. Family wakes up early, decorates shrine Grand puja to invite Pancha Ganapati to the home Family sits together, makes amends for misdeeds, offer forgiveness, praise good qualities in each other

DECEMBER 22(ROYAL BLUE) a. Goal: create a vibration of love and harmony among neighbors, relatives and close friends b. What is done: Offer heartfelt gifts and apologies to clear up any ill-will that may exist b. Call/write to any distant relatives/friends a.

DECEMBER 23(RUBY RED) a. Goal: create a vibration of love and harmony among business associates and the public b. What is done: Give gifts to co-workers, customers, etc. Honor employers and employees with gifts and appreciation c. Settle all debts and disputes a. b.

DECEMBER 24(EMERALD GREEN) a. Goal: draw forth the vibration of joy and harmony that comes from music, art, drama and the dance b. What is done: Family, relatives and friends gather for satsang in front of Ganesha b. Share their artistic gifts, discuss Hindu Dharma and make plans to bring more cultural refinement into the home a.

DECEMBER 25(BRILLIANT ORANGE) a. Goal: bring forth love and harmony that comes from charity and religiousness b. What is done: a. b. c. 5 special pujas throughout the day Gifts are opened by everyone at end of last puja Experience Ganeshas’s abundant, loving presence, filling the home and everyone’s hearts