10 amazing reads about Ganesha to share with your kids this Chaturthi

Around 6 years back when I got married, I was surprised by the fervour in which Ganesh Utsav was celebrated here in Maharashtra. While Ganesh Utsav  is well celebrated in Gujarat (from where I come), the celebrations, here in Maharashtra are at a different level altogether. The celebrations start on Ganesh Chaturthi (i.e. the fourth day of the first fortnight (Shukla Chaturthi) in the month of Bhadrapada in the Hindu calendar) and continues for ten days, before ending on the fourteenth day of the fortnight (Anant Chaturdashi). Needless to say, I choose to read Ganesha books to my son.  Here are our favorite books for Ganesh Utsav:

Ganesha’s Sweet Tooth – Rs 250 

This is one of the best picture books we’ve come across on Ganesha. The book is a perfect read for kids in 2.5+ age group but even children upto the age of 7 will enjoy it thoroughly. The illustrations are absolutely stunning and the the fact that Sanjay Patel, the writer cum illustrator of this book is an animator with Pixar comes out clearly through the quality of the pics.This funny picture book takes us through the tale of Ganesha’s love for sweets and how he went on to write the Mahabharata. 

Picture credits: goodreads.com

Amma tell me about Ganesha… Anjana Publications… Rs 350

A wonderful book from the wonderful series on Hindu deities which tells us the story of Ganesha’s birth and how he got his elephant head. The story is great for kids aged above 3 to 3.5 years.

Picture Credits:.bhaktimathur.com

Hearing Seeing Smelling Tasting Touching Ganesha – Chinmaya Mission

An absolute riot of colors, this hardcover with thick pages is sure to leave your kids spellbound. This book, in a wonderful rhyming verse tells children about how Ganesha is believed to be the god of senses, the one who helps us see, smell, listen, touch and feel. 

Picture Credits: Chinmayamission.

Ganesha goes to a Party – Chinmaya Mission – Rs 125

Ganesha and his large appetite amuses kids, and this book uses this aspect brilliantly to tells us the story about Ganesha’s encounter with Kubera. It also gently tells us not to be boastful and to offer whatever we have (little or more) with love. The book is perfect for storytelling to kids aged around 2.5.

Picture Credits: Chinmayamission.com

Boogie Woogie Ganesha – Chinmaya Mission – Rs 150

The entire book is filled with illustrations as captivating as the cover itself! The book talks about the playful ways of Bal Ganesha and his pursuit to free a prince from his curse. The illustrations are for any age group but kids aged around 3 would love it.

Picture Credits:chinmayamission.com

Ganesha’s Mousecapades – Chinmaya Mission – Rs 150

The book tells us the story of how the mooshak or mouse became Ganesha’s friend and vehicle. It teaches us to be nice and kind to everyone. The book is good for kids aged 3.

Picture Credits: chinmayamission.com

Karadi Tales:Rs 175

These are two wonderful audio books on the Birth of Ganesha and Ganesha’s encounter with Kubera. In these very popular books, Girish Karnad has lent his voice as the Karadi bear and narrates the stories of Ganesha in his mesmerising voice. 

Ganesha – Om Kidz Board Book – Rs 99

This one is a simple board book with catchy one-liners giving out simple details about Ganesha, each of which is accompanied by a suitable picture. This was one of our early picks when Vansh was around a year old. He enjoyed the bright pictures then and still does now.

Picture Credits:ombooks.com 

Amar Chitra Katha (ACK) – Ganesha series

amarchitrakatha.com

Our generation (us parents) did not have the exposure to the kind of literature our children have today but we always had our Amar Chitra Kathas. A lot of the popular Ganesha stories are available in the ACK series.

The World of Ganesha – Rs 700 

This Collection brings together the fascinating tales of Ganesha and his family. The titles within this collection include :

1. Ganesha. 
2. Ganesha And The Moon.
3. Tales Of Shiva.
4. Shiva Parvati.
5. Sati And Shiva
6. Karttikeya
7. Andhaka.
8. Nahusha
9. Tripura
10. Elephanta

Ganesha Series -Prakash Books – Rs 49 each.

The titles in this collection on Ganesha include

• Ganesha, the story of Mushakraj
• Kubera’s pride
• Ganesha, the curse of the moon 
• Ganesha, the curse of Tulsi  

These modestly priced books may not be the most brilliantly illustrated or well written, but they do tell all the stories and are enjoyable by children older than 3 years.
    

There are many books apart from these on Lord Ganesha which are widely available and well enjoyed by kids. A lot of the age groups mentioned in the article are indicative but it is best to go with what your kid loves the most!

 These days Vansh has picked up the song “Oh my friend Ganesha… Tu Rehna saath hamesha”. The image of Ganesha as a fun friend has really made a place in his heart. I do hope this image always gives him the strength he needs.

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