The Deity of Success: Ganesha

The food, the rituals, the dances and the theatre, everything in Bali is populated by divinities. One of the most represented figures of the articulated Hindu mythology is undoubtedly Ganesha, a much loved and invoked god, whose importance can be attributed to his ability to remove obstacles. Ganesha is the divinity of success and for this reason his grace is invoked before starting any activity, such as a trip, an exam, a job interview, a business deal, a ceremony, or any important event. The most distinctive feature of Ganesha's representation is the elephant head with large ears that often lean out to the side and which symbolize wisdom, the ability to listen and reflect on spiritual truths. The head can vary in shapes and artistic details, but the presence of long elephant tusks, one of which is broken, is a common feature as are the large eyes and its many hands, which symbolize power and its ability to perform different actions simultaneously. Worshiping Ganesha is a way for the Balinese people to receive blessings, protection and guidance in life.