PANJIM: The air across Goa shimmered with devotion, fragrance, and song as the beloved festival of Chavath drew to a close for those who had kept the idols for five days. For five radi-ant days, Goan homes had blossomed into sanctuar-ies of faith-echoing with melodic bhajans, the joy ous giggles of children, and the soft murmur of heart-felt prayers. The aroma of steaming modaks, patole-os wrapped in turmeric leaves, and simmering fes-tal curries filled kitchens, while lamps cast golden halos across beautifully decorated pandals, where Lord Ganesha reigned in all his grace.
In every courtyard, families gathered, hands folded, faces illuminated by oil lamps, performing daily aartis with flowers, coconuts, and whispered petitions for wisdom, prosperity, and protection. Laughter and reverence in-tertwined, creating a tapes try of devotion that bound generations together.
On the final day, howev-er, a gentle hush descended. The joyous rhythm slowed into a soulful stillness as households prepared for the poignant farewell. With quivering voices, devo-tees sang the concluding aartis; soft bells chimed and conches echoed while vibrant garlands of mari-gold and crimson kumkum adorned their clay idols one last time. Eyes welled with both gratitude and
In every courtyard, families gathered, hands folded, faces illuminated by oil lamps, performing daily aartis with flowers, coconuts, and whispered petitions for wisdom, prosperity, and protection
longing as families loving-ly lifted the idols, carrying them tenderly out of their homes and into the await-ing streets.
The farewell proces-sions bloomed into daz-zling spectacles-lanes throbbed with the beat of giant dhols and the swirl of traditional folk dances. Clouds of gulal rose in the air, painting the sky with hues of saffron and rose. Neighbors, friends, and strangers walked as one, singing paeans of praise, their voices carrying the eternal chant:
"Ganpati Bappa Morya! Pudhchya Varshi Lavkar Ya!"
During the grand, elec-trifying immersions in Panjim and Margao and other cities and villages across the state thousands danced in unison under the twinkling city lights, to the intimate riverside rituals of coastal hamlets, where villagers sang soft mando. tunes under starlit skies, Goa transformed into a liv-ing canvas of devotion and celebration.
As dusk deepened, idols were immersed into the waters-rivers shimmer-ing under lantern light, the waves embracing Lord Ganesh.