Many Hindus revere and recognise Jesus as a Prema-Avatar, an
Avatar of Divine Love. This is because many of his teachings were
about finding the God within, and service of your fellow man.
However, Christmas does not fall in the Hindu Calendar. Hindus
celebrate Diwali (festival of lights, sometimes called Deepavali)
and the New Year.
There is a festival every year for homes and families. It is
called Pancha Ganapati a festival to the five-faced elephant God.
It is five days of gift-giving and festivities within the home,
especially for the children. There is no need for a tree nor
wreaths, nor a Santa. Lord Ganesha does it all in five days of
merriment and mirth.
This home festival from December 21 through the 25 can include
outings, picnics, feasts, exchange of cards and gifts with
relatives, friends and business associates. Each day a tray of
sweets, fruits and incense is offered to Pancha Ganapati, often
prepared and presented by the children. Chants, songs and hymns are
sung in His praise. After offering at the altar, the sweets are
shared as consecrated food. Each day gifts are given to the
children, who place them before Pancha Ganapati to open only on the
fifth day. Greeting cards are exchanged, always offering Hindu
wisdom or verse from scripture.
During each of the five days the entire family focuses upon a
different spiritual work. Because of the importance of this
festival as a new beginning and mending of all mistakes of the
past, a festive shrine is created in the main living room of the
home. At the center is placed a large wooden or bronze five-faced
statue of Lord Pancha Ganapati. If this is not available, a large
picture of Lord Ganesha will do. Each morning the children dress or
decorate Ganesha anew in a different color: golden yellow on
December 21, then ruby red, royal blue, emerald green and finally
brilliant orange.
