Pune: Every year on the day of Ganesh Chaturthi, millions of Ganesha devotees welcome their beloved Bappa with a big celebration - among them is a Russian devotee.
Mariana came to India in 1993 and married Dr Vivek Abnave of Jejuri in Pune. Ever since she has been celebrating all Hindu festivals with great enthusiasm.
Mariana her family make Ganesh idols with clay at their home and perform Atharvashirsha recitation and religious worship. This tradition has been going on for the last 28 years.
I make earthen Ganpati every year. The important thing is that no one taught me to make Ganpati. "I feel a different kind of joy in doing all this," Mariana said while talking to ETV Bharat.
Also read: In a first, Shivamogga forest dept seize hippo tusks
