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Ganesh Chaturthi celebrated across India and Beyond
Though Ganesh Chaturthi’s early celebrations were primarily confined to Maharashtra and neighboring regions, it has since expanded its reach across India and to the Indian diaspora worldwide.
Ganesha idols are carried through the streets on decorated chariots or palanquins, accompanied by music, dance, and cultural performances. / Facebook/Fermont Hindu Temple
Ganesh Chaturthi, a 10-day Ganesh festival commenced in the Indian state of Maharashtra on Sep.6. One of India's most beloved festivals, it marks the annual celebration of Hindu Lord Ganesha, the deity revered as the remover of obstacles and the harbinger of prosperity.
This festival, which originated in Maharashtra, has grown in significance across the country and among Indian communities worldwide, including in the United States, where major cities witness colorful celebrations.
Locally known as Ganeshotsav, the festival is set to continue in Mumbai until Sep.17. During this period, religious, cultural, and social events are organized in homes, temples, and public pandals (temporary structures set up for religious worship).
The roots of Ganesh Chaturthi trace back to ancient times, with the festival's significance intertwined with various legends. One of the most well-known tales is that of Ganesha's creation by goddess Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva, who crafted him from clay to guard her privacy. When Shiva, unaware of Ganesha's identity, tried to enter, a confrontation ensued, resulting in Shiva severing Ganesha's head. Upon realizing his mistake and to appease a distraught Parvati, Shiva replaced Ganesha’s head with that of an elephant, giving birth to the iconic image of the elephant-headed deity.
Though Ganesh Chaturthi’s early celebrations were primarily confined to Maharashtra and neighboring regions, it has since expanded its reach across India and to the Indian diaspora worldwide. The festival gained further prominence during the late 19th century when Indian freedom fighter Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak transformed it into a public event, fostering unity against British colonial rule.
The Lalbaugcha Raja has the most famous Ganesh statue and has been the most visited Mandal since 8 decades in central Mumbai. / Facebook/ Lalbaugcha RajaIn each Indian region, the festival takes on its own local flavor. The festival begins with the installation of clay or eco-friendly idols of Lord Ganesha in homes, temples, and pandals. These idols, adorned with vibrant colors, flowers, and ornaments, become the center of daily prayers and rituals. Devotees chant mantras and sing devotional songs, seeking Ganesha’s blessings for success and the removal of obstacles. Modak, a sweet dumpling considered a favorite of Lord Ganesha, is offered as prasad, symbolizing the sweetness of life and the rewards of devotion.
The celebrations are marked by elaborate processions, where idols are carried through the streets on decorated chariots or palanquins, accompanied by music, dance, and cultural performances. On the festival’s final day, the idol is taken to a nearby water body for immersion, known as Visarjan. This act symbolizes Ganesha’s departure from the mortal world and the cycle of creation and dissolution with devotees bidding him farewell amidst chants, music, and a grand send-off, hoping for his return next year.
Major American cities like New York, Houston, and San Francisco also see vibrant celebrations, with local temples and community centers organizing events that draw large crowds every year.
One of the biggest celebrations of Ganesh Chaturthi in USA takes place in Philadelphia by the Marathi community of the state. The Sai Samthan hosts grand celebrations in Illinois while the Bay Area Telugu Association (BATA), Maharashtra Mandal, and Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS) jointly host a grand celebration at the Fremont Hindu Temple.
As Ganesh Chaturthi begins, it ushers in a broader festive season in India, followed by Navratri, Diwali, and other significant celebrations.
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