In North Karnataka, Ganesh Chaturthi is marked by the worship of Jokumaraswamy, a ritual believed to bring rain and prosperity. The people of this region believe that Jokumaraswamy, born after Ganesha’s immersion, removes evil and brings happiness. Jokumar, short for Kumaraswamy, is considered the son of Shiva and is deeply revered by the rural population.
The ritual begins on the sixth day after the installation of the Ganesha idol, following the new moon. Women carry an idol of Jokumar, made from clay and placed in a bamboo basket, on their heads through the streets for seven days. The basket is adorned with neem leaves, flowers, and chillies. Devotees sing folk songs dedicated to Jokumar, and the songs are mostly sung by women from the community.
The purpose of the worship is to pray for good rains and crops. Offerings such as rice, corn, and wheat are given to Jokumar. Butter is applied to the idol’s lips, then placed on a neem leaf and distributed as ‘Nuchchu Prasada’ to devotees.
This tradition is observed both in rural and urban areas, with Jokumar being worshipped until the full moon. The worship of Jokumaraswamy continues to hold cultural importance in the region.
