Once when the Devas gave a divine fruit to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, they were confused whether to give it to Ganesha or Kartikeya. They decided to hold a competition between the two & asked them to take three rounds of the universe. The winner would receive the fruit as a prize. Kartikeya quickly rode on his peacock and left to take rounds of the universe. Ganesha knew that he could never beat Kartikeya while riding his slow mouse. He found a solution to his problem- he walked around his parents three times with great love and devotion. When asked by his parents about the reason of doing so, Lord Ganesha said that his parents are his universe. Thus the dispute was settled in favour of Lord Ganesha. Such is the wit and intelligence of Ganesha.
Of course, we as parents and teachers at school want our little ones to have such qualities from Ganesha. What more than this time as the festival is about to begin and you see Ganpati pandals in the making everywhere around. We, at Proeves, took a small research on what some leading preschools are doing to celebrate this festival with the kids.
At Ipsaa, children are made to dress up traditionally for celebrating Ganesh Chathurti. Some exciting activities are planned as a part of the festivities for the day. Ganeshji had sweet tooth and he loved modaks, thus at Ipsaa the kids are taught the process of making his favourite modaks, story telling sessions with morals of Ganeshji’s wisdom and singing festive songs.
The day begins with Pooja & Aarti with the staff and cute little children dressed in Maharashtrian clothes at Eager Beaver. The children shall also be taken to the nearest pandal for blessings and week-long celebrations happen with wisdom stories of Ganpatiji, creative articles using paper and Ganesha clay – modelling.
Ganesh Chaturthi, birthday of Lord Ganesha will be celebrated with grandeur and gaiety at Mini Marvel school. The staff will beautify the school and the little ones will dress up in traditional clothes. They begin with Ganesh Puja after which a dance will be performed on melodious Ganeshji songs. Children are taught about the significance of the festival, followed by Ganesha making with clay. The day ends with Prasad distribution among the kids.
At Chip & Dale, the kids visited nearest Ganapati workshop. The focus was on teaching the kids how Ganpatiji got his Elephant head, how Parvatiji created Ganeshji & how Lord Shiva beheaded Lord Ganesha with his trident. Goddess Parvati was bereaved on sudden death of Lord Ganesha so to console her Lord Shiva got the head of an elephant and attached it to the body of Lord Ganesha.
Lord Shiva infused life into Lord Ganesha and blessed him with strength and wisdom. They morally try to teach the kids that mother’s love can do wonders.
Tuesday 11th September onwards several activities would start at The Circle. Kids will learn to make baby Ganeshji with organic play – doh. Worksheets with Ganesha picture shall be given to kids for glitter painting, paper cut – outs of Lord Ganesha, Reshaping crushed laddoos and making modak out of it, Audio – visual narration of Lord Ganesha’s stories will be a part of the activities.
Check out the most happening Ganesha events happening in your city.
PC : Hari Bhoomi