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| Crowds of shoppers purchasing the necessities for worshipping Lord Ganesha |
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| Beautiful umbrellas to shade the individual statues of Lord Ganesha |
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| Happy times during a happy Festival |
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| Fruit and Vegetable Market off Tiruvoodal Street |
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| Flower and garland shops on Car Street |
The below is a photograph of a unique flower used during this festival i.e., Calotropis Gigantea, which grows abundantly as a weed throughout this area. This purple flower also known as Milkweed (Arka or Erukku), is plucked from the bush and used to create garlands for Lord Ganesha.
It is believed that one who worships Ganesha with this flower will be free of all ailments and disease.
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| Making garlands for Lord Ganesha statues |
Another particular plant used in worship to Lord Ganesha at this special time is Durva Grass. It is believed that one earns the grace of Lord Ganesha by offering this sacred grass during this Festival.
The fruit is the Wood Apple (left) which is especially loved by Lord Ganesha and used in offerings to Him.
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| Wood Apple left, Durva Grass right, Milkweek garlands centre |
Would be very interested to learn more about the Wood Apple at Tiruvannamalai Meenakshi when you have the time.
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