Senior members of Bhartiya Samaj in Queenstown celebrated one of the most popular festivals of the Hindu community –Ganesh Chaturthi – on Sunday, September 8 at St Peter’s Anglican Church.

Ganesh Chaturthi is a major Hindu festival that marks the birthday of Lord Ganesha, the son of Shiva and Parvati. It is celebrated in different manners throughout nationwide, and this celebration calls upon people from all faiths and beliefs to be a part of this festive event irrespective of their religion, creed or culture.

The exact date of the festival changes from year to year, asit is celebrated following the lunar calendar. The festival falls in late August or first week of September or fourth day after the new moon.

Rituals of Ganesh Chaturthi:

To begin with Bhartiya Samaj, Queenstown established Ganesha statue and performed rituals, prayers and offerings to the deity. The devotees gathered around the idol in large number to worship Lord Ganesha.

The evening started with the soaring chants (Kirtan and Aarti) and traditional drumbeats. This was done with some ritualistic chanting of mantras and prayers.

“Chants of ‘Ganpati Bappa Morya’ took it notches up as well and we could see the enthusiasm of all the ages from a kid to an old age people,” Mangal Behl, President of Bhartiya Samah Queenstown said.

“An offering of a variety of sweets, flowers, rice, etc. were made to the deity, and fantastic delicacies served to the 150 attendees as Prasad,” he added.

Mr Behl thanked Rama Krishna Mandali for contributing their time and energy and making the event special with their presence.

“They all [the attendees] showed immense devotion with the chants and singing to the beats of drums. Ganesh Chaturthi is when no differences exist, caste, culture, age, this festival brings people closer than ever before,” Mr Behl added.