Kolam by Sudha Balaji

Cotton garland for Ganpati |  Cotton mala for Ganpati  The traditional method of making a cotton garland is shown in the pictures below.  A 21 ball cotton garland is made .  The edges and the gaps between are smeared with turmeric powder mixed in water. Two pieces of cotton are soaked in turmeric powder mixed in water and stuck to the two edges of the mala.  These help to stick the garland to the photo or idol of Lord Ganesha Ganesh Chaturthi | Pillaiyar Chaturthi | Ganesh Chavithi | in simple steps through images According to our family tradition, we purchase a clay idol every year. Decorate the Puja room with a rangoli Decorate the Puja Mantap where the idol is to be placed with Hridaya Kamalam or Aishwarya Kolam add a kaavi border. Place a banana leaf with rice on it Place idol of Ganesha decorate with flowers, sacred thread and cotton vastra Apply chandan, haldi and kumkum on forehead Place a coconut to t...

After Varalakshmi Vratham, comes Ganesh Chaturti or Vinayaka Chathurti or Chavithi .  It is celebrated on Chathurthi (the fourth day) after new moon  in the Tamil month, Aavani and Bhadrapada maasa in other calenders.Again, I would like to share how I celebrate this festival according to the method followed in our family.  There may be different methods followed in different families in various places in India.                       Arugampul (Bermuda grass) and arali (oleander) are two of the most important offerings for Ganesh Chathurti celebrations. This simple garland is my offering for Ganesh Puja.  A tuft of arugampul and two oleander flowers are placed together as shown, oleander above arugampul and strung into a garland following the usual method of stringing flowers.   Erukkam Poo malai | different type for Pillai Chaturthi decoration This garland is made by tying the flowers in a circle a...