Festivals

Ganapathi habba is just over. One more session of collecting money,road blocks, processions, blaring microphones, same old film songs ending with a vote of thanks in an artificial, extra polite,sugar dripping voice followed by the orchestra anthem - "mathdalli melyavudo.. kuladalli keelyavudo".
But something has gone missing. On the day of the festival my friend, I, and our mothers went back in our time machine....
*public Ganapathis never existed. In the whole of Mysore two places drew everyone's attention- 101 Ganapathi in Agrahara attracted devotees and 8th cross Ganapathi in Vontikoppal attracted music lovers. The 'orchestras' have overtaken them!
*Kids went from house to house, inquiring,"Ree, Ganapathi ittiddira?" (have you kept Ganapathi?)There would be a competition among groups of children as to who visited the most number of Ganapathis. People happily tolerated them as they barged inside,put akshathe and prostrated in front of the deity. Some of them would observe the decorations and even comment.
*All doors would be open and lights switched on, expecting visitors.
*The tinkling of bells at around 9 would indicate that the Ganapathi is being given a send off.
*Some would keep the Ganapathi for 3,5, or 7 days or till Anantha Chathurdashi and immerse him in Kukkarahalli tank or in a neighbour's well.
Kukkarahalli tank in those days used to be a deserted place . But it would come alive during this season.People carrying torches and lanterns would go there in large groups immerse Ganapathi , eat puliogare and mosaranna and come home with a feeling of achievement.
*It was a chance for the artistically minded to exhibit their talents in building the mantaps for the god.The mantaps would be made using materials ranging from wood,coconut fronds, pith,injection bottles to sugar candies!The garlands made from cotton. Rangoli designs, lamps,serial lights..... everything had to be special and different!
All that is gone now!