We recently attended a few Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations at the homes of friends in our condominium complex. Tower lobbies were buzzing with people in their best ethnic wear, carrying offerings for Lord Ganesh. At one home, our host had invited a flautist friend, who rendered a few bhajans on his flute. These intimate gatherings also allowed guests to mingle. Such gatherings at home are, of course, nothing new. What made me think was something else. The larger community celebration itself appears to be changing. Increasingly, in our urban centres, it seems to be moving from the wider neighbourhood into gated residential complexes. I remember that the only large community celebration during my childhood was the Ram Leela, held on whichever was the biggest available ground in the neighbourhood. Much later, I witnessed the Durga Puja pandals in the east, Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations in the west and Dussehra festivities in the south. Beyond their religious and cultural significance,........

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