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Letters to 'Manautiyon Ke Raja': Lucknow's Unique Ganesh Puja Tradition
20 Sep
Summary
- Devotees write wishes to Lord Ganesh on paper slips offered at pandals.
- Annual letter count to the deity has surged to over 100,000.
- Wishes range from health for loved ones to personal employment and family harmony.
At a Ganesh pandal in Lucknow's Jhulelal Vatika, faith is expressed through handwritten letters addressed to Lord Ganesh, believed to be the fulfiller of wishes. This tradition, spanning decades, involves devotees writing their hopes and concerns on slips of paper, which are then offered at the pandal and later immersed during visarjan.
The practice has grown exponentially, with committee patron Bharat Bhushan noting an increase from 20,000-40,000 letters annually to between 100,000 and 250,000. This tradition attracts devotees not only from Lucknow but also from surrounding districts and towns.
Wishes shared are diverse, including a 14-year-old's prayer for her brother's health amidst his battle with thalassemia, a teacher's plea for her mother's recovery from a coma, and a student's hope for a government job to support his family. Children also participate, with one wishing for a better singing voice and another for a sibling.
