Maghi Ganesh and Basant Panchami this weekend

Mumbai: A second Ganeshotsav of sorts unfolded across the city, indeed the state, Saturday. Ganesh Jayanti or Maghi Ganeshotsav, the festival of the Lord’s birth, saw temples and pandals launch a public celebration that will last upto 10 days. Devotees lined up at Siddhivinayak temple in Prabhadevi for the first major celebration since it announced a new formal dress code.
Pandit Bharat Bhushan Mishra of Malad said, “There are no less than seven Maghi Ganesh pandals in Charkop, namely Charkop Cha Chintamani, Charkop Cha Raja, Charkop Cha Samrat, Charkop Cha Vighnaharta, Charkop Cha Parmeshwar, Charkop Cha Peshwa and Kandivali Cha Shree.”
Mishra says the fourth day of Magh Shuklapaksh is celebrated as the ‘avataran’ day or birth of Lord Ganesh. “The deity is worshipped in temples, pandals and households. Devotees believe their wishes are thus granted.”
Sunday Feb 2 is Basant Panchami. Mishra said, “This is the day when people worship Goddess Saraswati, especially students, educators, artistes and musicians. They seek her blessings to hone their talent and grow in success. This day marks the onset of Basant or the spring season, when new leaves appear on trees, mustard flowers bloom, birds chirp in happiness and people’s hearts acquire peace. This year Basant Panchami is special for it marks the Amrit Snan or holy dip at the Maha Kumbh Mela.”