The birthdays of the celestials create a festive spirit and a divine aura around our living.Krishna's birthday is just over and Ganesha's birthday is just a day away.The birthday boy is already getting ready for his birthday.-Ganesha chaturthi.

Doll makers are prowling the sand on the river banks to get clay for making Kalimann Pillaiyar. As Ganesha is a universal God people irrespective of age find immense joy in celebrating his birthday.Mud Ganesha in myriad hues and sizes are bordered on the streets ,main roads.and main bazaars. The Grey Pillaiyar looks enchanting with roving scarlet red eyes and huge Thumbikkai. The eyes are obviously the seeds of a plant. The pot belly of Ganesha evokes fun and mirth amongst tiny tots and elders alike.



Pillaiyar kodai is indispensable element to the festival. The varied vibrant multi colored umbrella is made of paper with silver and gold threads sequined on it. People look forward to something new every year. Thus they dish out something new every year to sustain the festive spirit.In many houses the mud idols of Ganesha are brought every year and after the pooja they find a watery place.With Pilliyar kodai galore the sequential step is the erection of pandals and canopies at street and road ends. Colossal Ganapathy are expected to arrive on the dot just on the day of Vinayaka Chaturthi. The majestic Ganesha have a different incarnation each unique and distinct.

Women and children are practicing arduously for the music competition which are held under the nose of the God who are stationed in roads.Meanwhile police are charting traffic regulations for the Ganapathy congregation which assumes importance after a week. They are immersed in the sea on a particular day .The Khaki personnel are squeezing their grey matter to avoid traffic snarl and any untoward incident on the day of Pillaiyar procession.

The Vinayaka coterie travel tirelessly chugging with charm around the city for the grand immersion. The temples are given afresh lease of life as the floors are scrubbed and the walls are white washed.The temples are illuminated beckoning the devotees to have a rendez vous with Ganesha.

Kozhakattai and Sundal are an integral part of Vinayaka Chaturthi. The provision merchants are reigning deities as the rice jaggery and coconuts that they sell play a vital role in making or marring the offering to god.

Usha Raja