Festivals always meant shopping for me. Only the items I shop for will differ. I think it’s true for everyone of us. Already Tamil New Year came during pandemic. Complete lockdown was in place. I could not shop much. Just managed to celebrate with whatever I had. But when Ganesh Chaturthi approached and could not see any relief in Covid 19 situation, I was upset. Because every Ganesh Chaturthi was celebrated by us for all 10 days. The festival shopping starts with buying of Ganesha. I always prefer eco friendly Ganesha made of mud bought from a particular shop which is few km away from my place. This year I was wondering where to go for the same. I didn’t want to risk going out and shopping. Then came a pop up in my fb for Itsy Bitsy Ganesha making kit. I thought let me try this . Even my daughter was excited to make our own Ganesha. But I still had a small fear in me that if this would really work? The day before Ganesh festival me and my daughter started to mix the clay and make using the mould given. It came out so well which kicked our excitement. Then we had to wait for it to dry. Once it dried, we started to paint our own Ganesha. Me and my daughter were a team. Ultimately it came out so well. We enjoyed a lot in making our own Ganesha. Even though it was definitely not a difficult task to do using readymade mould (Thanks to Itsy Bitsy), it was definitely an occasion for me and my daughter to bond together. Also it gave a sense of satisfaction that we made it. Now every year we decided we will make our own Ganesha. Only thing is next time I want to try to make without the mould. So our practice will soon start with my daughter’s plasticine clay .Hopefully by next year we could make without mould. So, Lockdown Ganesh Chaturthi was a success for us. Now festival season has started but still there’s no respite from pandemic situation. Let Ganesha bless each and every one of us and help us to stride over these tough times.
The images are of our Ganesha and decoration.