BY CLARA A RODRIGUES | NT NETWORK

An interesting part of the Ganesh installation is the presentation kept in front of the idol. The presentation in local parlance is called ‘dekawa’. It can be done in an ornate or simple manner, depending on the scale of Ganesh celebrations.

Generally, dekawa’s are seen at big ancestral houses where all members of the family come together, and also at community Ganesh installations, better known as ‘sarvanjanik’ Ganesh mandals.

The dekawa adds to the whole atmosphere of faith and community spirit. It brings out creativity and talent and the reverence the members hold for Lord Ganesh.

“Each year we have a different dekawa at our house,” says Pandurang Gaonkar from Honda. “We do not like to be repetitive. We bring the materials from the nearby forest areas. We also make use of an electronic motor. This year, we will be depicting a scenery, as this is usually easier to portray. The motor will pump a continuous waterfall,” he informs.

The themes portrayed vary from stories from the puranas to incidents from the Ramayana and Mahabharata. The books of the sages are filled with stories that are a perennial source of inspiration for artistes looking to depict a scene. Fights between the good and bad forces, Hanuman lifting the mountain, interesting narratives showing Ram’s life in the forest, his encounter with Sita and much more.

From natural resources such as clay to cardboard cut outs, thermocol, electrical materials, devotees try and make a worthy presentation. Not only one that will catch the onlookers’ eyes but also one that will please Lord Ganesh. The cut outs and statues are given movement and sound effects add to the festive ambience.

The themes do speak of religion but they can also show something contemporary like any pressing problem that mankind faces or something as simple as a scenery. “We will be having a Maratha theme this year,” says an excited Deja Naik from Vasco. I have already made the ‘bhales (sword) and ‘dhaals’ (shields).”

Visit several households and you will notice though that not all make dekawas. Some cite space constraints while others say that they do not want to involve themselves in activities that may divert their attention from the main reason of celebration.

In the interior villages, the concept of a dekawa is given a lot of importance. There are even competitions held to award the family that makes the most creative depiction.

The dekawa is made only two to three days before Ganesh and is dismantled a few days after the immersion of the idol.

In today’s world where time is seen as a greatest barrier coming between families and community proximity, devotes still find time to divide work among the family members and create a pleasing presentation, and as Pandurang says “This is the festival of all festivals. Time constraints must not come in the way of our celebrations”.