CONCEPT:

In Mexico City, I discovered the local love for Lord Ganesha, with his image
and numerous other Hindu deities found everywhere!

Mesoamerica’s rich spiritual traditions, similar to Hinduism and comparable to
the diverse cultures of South Asia like the Aztec, Olmec, and Toltec, featured various deities, elaborate temples, complex writing systems, and stunning artistic traditions.

Unfortunately, much of this heritage was lost due to colonization.

The marigold flower is often associated with South Asia, but it was originally
cultivated in Mexico by the Aztec People.

Unlike North India, where marigolds are used in worship, South Indian temples do not
allow them. Once, I brought marigolds to the Flushing Ganesha Temple, and the priest, visibly upset and unable to explain due to limited English, told me they are not allowed in South Indian temples and directed me to a North Indian temple.

I later learned from a South Indian Muslim friend from Hyderabad, India that marigolds are only used for decoration not worship in South Indian mosques, temples, and dargahs. 

This may relate to their use in Mexico's Day of the Dead to honor ancestors, which aligns with South Indian ancestor reverence. Hindu worship practices vary significantly, with ancestor reverence being especially important in South Indian traditions.

In South India, different faiths often visit each other's worship places,
highlighting regional interconnectedness. 

Temples and houses of worship are associated with happiness and peace, so
they avoid offering anything reminding them of death.

The Mexican Ganesha design is inspired by Mesoamerican deity art seen in Mexico City museums. It combines marigolds with handpicked roses from my garden for Hindu puja garlands, as roses are preferred for their fragrance and beauty. The design reflects the flat, linear, and negative spaces of Mesoamerican rock-cut sculptures and paintings.

Notably, the "maize deity" has hand positions similar to Hindu deities, with one hand blessing and one grounding, and serpents (nagas) are common in both cultures.

The indigenous traditions of Mexico also have deities associated with earth, rain, and thunder, akin to Hinduism.

Print Details:

• 100% combed and ring-spun cotton (Heather colors contain polyester)
• Fabric weight: 4.2 oz./yd.² (142 g/m²)
• Pre-shrunk fabric
• Side-seamed construction
• Shoulder-to-shoulder taping
• Wash Inside Out - Print is Photo Realistic

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