Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated as the birth of Lord Ganpati, son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. The festival is not only brings together people but also celebrates the richness of nature.
An all nature affair can be seen during Ganesh Chaturthi in Goa when the atmosphere is of rains and rainbows, green cover envelops the mountains and matoli a wooden frame laden withwild and local produce forms canopy for the Ganpati’s idol.
Matoli which represents a symbiotic relationship between man and forest is a way of showing thanks to Ganpati. Through matoli tradition the knowledge of roots,plants and fruits is passed on from one generation to another.
Goa is blessed with rich flora and fauna and it is no surprise that the love for environment is in every Goan’s blood who collect all the required materials for matoli before installing the idol below it.
