Clay Images of West Bengal

The ritual of Ganesh puja (August-September)

Ganesh is worshipped in the usual way with a special area set aside for puja which is usually decorated with pantains and the clay image is placed on a dias. Invocation, installation of the deity and pranpratistha is followed by puja with offerings and prayers. Ganesh images are usually immersed with only smaller, mould images being kept in the household shrine for daily use. Ganesh is traditionally worshipped alongside other deities as his worship ensures good fortune and a good outcome for any undertaking. He is popular with schoolchildren who want success in their studies and businessmen who want their businesses to prosper. In West Bengal his festival is perhaps not as prominent as in Mumbai for example.

Worship is always regarded as a twofold process involving both inward and outward ritual. Outward worship is directed towards the image but is always preceded by internal worship in which the worshipper makes mental offerings and meditates on the deity.

The basic five parts of any puja ritual are: welcome or invocation (avahana); fixing or placing of the image (sthapana); approaching, bringing near (sannidhikarana); worship and adoration (puja itself); and respectful dismissal of the deity after worship (bisarjan).

The number of offerings or upacharas made to the deity may vary but the common number is sixteen. Offerings include water for the feet, water for sipping, honey, ghee, milk, curd, water for bathing, cloth, jewels, perfume, flowers, incense, light (arti), food (bhog), prayers and gifts. Welcoming offerings are called arghya and include water, durva grass, rice, flowers and sandalwood paste. The incense is called dhup and is made of camphor.

Calcutta notes on Ganesh puja by Madrasis