50,000 people attend Washington Ganesh Festival in Redmond

The festival featured a magnificent 15-foot-tall idol of Lord Ganesha, named ‘Washington Raja.’

15-foot-tall idol of Lord Ganesha, named ‘Washington Raja.’ / Beats Of Washington

The Washington Ganesh Festival, which took place from Sept. 12 to 15, in Redmond, brought together over 50,000 attendees to celebrate the culture, devotion, and community.

Organized by Beats of Washington (formerly Beats of Redmond), this year the festival featured a magnificent 15-foot-tall idol of Lord Ganesha, named ‘Washington Raja.’ Prakash Gupta, Consul General of India, Seattle, graced the event as chief guest. His speech highlighted the festival’s importance in strengthening community ties and celebrating Indian culture abroad.

Several local leaders, including Jared Nieuwenhuis (Bellevue City Council), Suresh Sharma (Consul/Head of Chancery), and Jimmy Matta (Burien City Council), were also in attendance.

Highlights of the event included Bellevue City and King County proclamations in recognition of the festival’s cultural significance, a high-energy dhol-tasha performance featuring over 150 performers from the local community and an opening concert by Bollywood singer Kailash Kher and his Kailasa band.

Singer Kailash Kher at the event. / Beats Of Washington

During the festival, over 12,000 laddoos and 1,000 fruits were distributed as prasad, while local vendors offered traditional snacks and handicrafts.

“The Washington Ganesh Festival has become a symbol of unity, bringing the Indian diaspora and local community together. With its rich cultural performances, devotional fervor, and large turnout, this year’s event will be remembered as one of the largest and most successful Ganesh festivals in the USA,” the organizers said in a statement.