Dispatches from Kolkata Ganesh Puja
Aug 27, 2025
The celebration of Ganesh Puja sparks a deep exploration of Lord Ganesh’s cultural significance in today's society. Discussion highlights the delicate balance between honoring age-old traditions and the risk of commodifying spirituality. Listeners learn why this beloved deity, often depicted as charming and playful, plays a crucial role in removing obstacles and fostering community connection. This festive time serves as a reminder of respect in the face of commercialization.
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Animator Passing On Stories
- Sanjay Patel draws Ganesh stories for his kids on the Ghee Happy channel to pass on cultural heritage.
- His animated retellings make mythic tales accessible and spark questions from his children.
Cartoonized Myths Spark Conversation
- Patel's Ganesh cartoons rework myths into kid-friendly scenes like Ganesh going to school on a flying bull.
- Children ask about emotions and conflicts, creating moments to explain the original stories.
Iconography Conveys Values
- Ganesh's physical traits encode cultural meanings like affluence (big belly) and cleverness (elephant head).
- Stories such as the race around the world illustrate brains-over-brawn lessons for children.