The elephant god

Religion is such an integral part of our culture and now its also part of our politics too.Over a period of time I have watched the majority of people moving towards religion.A lot I suspect has to do with marketing.As a child I watched neighbours bring home a mud ganesha from the local market,decorate it with flowers,put some vermilion on its forehead and do the pooja.After whatever period of time he would be immersed into the well in the house and everyone was happy.Me more so as he is a god who loves his food and that meant that some goodies came my way.
Somewhere after religion became part of politics,marketing companies started cashing in on these poojas.In Chennai where it was always low key,there was a sudden flurry of activity.Overnight temples mushroomed at every nook and corner of each road.Gone were the days when ganesha was part of the gate of most houses.I watched as small idols grew into small temples.Soon a poojari arrived and was paid a salary,the pavement was then plastered with tiles,expansion was on and slowly the small roadside temple encroached into the road.No one can do a thing about it,there is sentiment involved.Today I watch as huge pandals are put up,local residents clamour for prasad,mikes blare and lights are lit big time.The cops are out to guard against any violence and the god himself has transformed from a simple elephant god to a colourfull and large figure.The paint and the colours used do nothing for ground water.In fact they pollute but unfortunately a simple festival that the elephant god called his own is no longer in his control.The marketing companies run it.There is money and power involved but not from the gods.It belongs to the local strongman.
I am all for marketing but not at the risk of giving up the simple joys of prayer and devotion.Today very few houses make the goodies with love,goodies that are so much a part of each festival.Today one pops into the local sweet shop and orders.What ever happened to licking plates and spoons,what ever happened to all the legends and stories and the myths that gave such character to these simple outpourings of devotion.Today its been dragged into the world of commerce,its flat,superficial and I wonder if the elephant god feels as bad as I do for the passing of a simple life.