Ganapati bappa morya
One of the most elaborate and grandest of Indian festivals, Ganesh Chaturthi is here and so are the modakas and laddus—trademark delicacies of our elephant God. The festival marks the birthday of Lord Ganesha, the Vignaharta (obstacle remover) for good work, the Lord of knowledge, wisdom, prosperity and good fortune. The festival is also known as Vinayak Chaturthi or Vinayak Chavithi. It is celebrated on the fourth day of the month Bhaadrapada according to Hindu calendar.
It is interesting to note that this festival is one of the few Hindu festivals that is celebrated socially. Although there is no written records in Vedas or Puranas of the festival being celebrated as a social event, the first recorded celebration of this festival socially dates back to the times of Maratha King Chatrapati Shivaji in Maharashtra.
The concept was re-introduced in British colonial times by two freedom fighters, Bhausaheb Laxman Javale and Lokamanya Tilak, to bring people together for the cause of Independence.
This tradition has been observed throughout India since then and more so in the states of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu and Goa. One gets to see lord Ganesha’s idol in every corner of the streets in these states.
If one feels that he/she is missing all the fun in India, the good news is that there are quite a few places to go to in Auckland as well. The festive atmosphere in Auckland Sri Ganesha temple in Papakura is palpable with the celebrations in full swing from September 17, the actual day of GaneshaChaturthi to September 26. The chief priest of this South Indian temple, Shiva Sri Chandru Kurukkal says, “Usually the temple is open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. but on this special occasion, the temple is open from 4:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. till 26th of this month. Special pujas are being conducted and we are leaving no stone unturned to make this festival a big one for devotees.”
Auckland’s Marathi Association Inc (AMAI), is doing its bit to take the Ganesh Chaturti celebrations to new heights in true Maharashtrian style. The association is celebrating Ganeshotsav on September 20from 3 p.m. and after the traditional Ganapatisthapana, puja and aarati, numerous cultural programmes are being lined up. When contacted, we were told that non-Marathis and non-members too can be a part of the celebrations for a nominal charge.
New Zealand Kannada Koota (NZKK) and New Zealand Telugu Association (NZTA) too are celebrating Ganesha Chaturthi in grand fashion. The actual day of celebration is not a weekend and it is hardly any disappointment. NZKK is organizing a puja and celebrations on September 26 and NZTA is celebrating on September 17 (I am yet to get confirmation of the dates).
Although the magnitude and scale of the celebrations in India during Ganesh Chaturti cannot be matched, the spirit and enthusiasm is not lacking in our city as well. These social gathering in the pretext of festival goes a long way in bonding the community together and help in re-living our culture.
We at Indian Weekender wish all our readers a happy Ganesha Chaturthi and hope the lord clears your path of all obstacles. Ganapathi Bappa Morrya!
1. Bhartiya Mandir Bharatiya Mandir
252 Balmoral Road, Sandringham, Auckland
• Anant Chaturdashi and Samudra Yatra Ganesh Visarjan
Sunday, September 27th (Book by September 24th)
• Satyanarayan Mahapuja
Sunday, September 27th
From 09:30 am to 12:30 pm
• Saamuhik Aarti, Bhajan & Satsang
From September 17 to 26, 7:45 am onwards
• Free Abhishek for all devotees
From September 17 to 26, 7:30 pm onwards
2. Auckland Sri Ganesha temple:
Address: #4 Dent Place, Papakura, Auckland
Website: http://www.aucklandsriganeshtemple.com
Celebrations from September 17 to 26. Open all days from 4:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
3. Auckland Marathi Association Inc.
Address: Freeman’s bay community hall, 52 Hepburn Street, Freeman’s Bay, Auckland.
Website: www.amai.org.nz
Celebrations start from 3 p.m., September 20.
4. Auckland Kannada Koota Association
Address: Kannada Koota, Fickling Center, 546 Mount Albert Road, Three Kings, Auckland 1042.
Website: www.kannadakoota.co.nz
Celebrations start from 5:45 p.m., September 26
5. New Zealand Telugu Association
Address: Western Springs Hall, 956, Great North Road, Western Springs, Auckland
Website: www.nzta.org
Celebrations start from 7:15 p.m., September 17
Wishes from the community
Devika: First thing I do every day after getting up in the morning is bow to lord Ganesha and I do the same just before I go to bed. By doing that, I feel I get the power to face the challenges every day life. For me, Ganesh Chaturthi is one day when I can take some time out and thank the lord for being the source of energy, every single day.
Ravi: I remember my granny saying that one big thing that a person can learn from lord Ganesha is the ability to control mind, which is as fickle as the mouse he rides on. For me Lord Ganesh is a symbol of concentration and obstacle remover. I wish everyone happy Ganesh Chaturti and hope that Lord removes all hurdles in life and reward everyone with fruits for their hard work.
Pratik: Happy Ganesh Chaturthi to all. In India, my friends and I would pool in money in the apartment we stayed in and get a big Ganesha idol and do Ganapathisthapana. Everyone in the apartment would gather early in the morning and do puja. This year my friends sent me the photos taken during the celebrations. I can’t express in words how much I am missing my family and friends on Ganesh Chaturthi.
Kanksha: Lord Ganesh is my favourite deity and Ganesh Chaturthi reminds me of all the sweets and modakas that are prepared on this day. I still remember going from one pandaal to another with friends looking for prasad. Immersing Ganesh’s idol is another thing I miss a lot. The atmosphere of this festival is wonderful. May Lord Ganesha bless everyone good health and help people overcome their hurdles in life. Happy Ganesha Chaturthi.
Jagadeeshwar Reddy Patlolla (President New Zealand Telugu Association): May Lord Ganesha keep everyone protected from obstacles at all times and bless everyone with good health and wealth, giving a rainbow for every storm, a smile for every tear, a promise for every care, and an answer to every prayer. Happy Ganesh Chaturthi!
Shiva Sri ChandruKurukkal: Ganesh Chaturthi is one of the most beautiful and colourful festivals. It is also a time for people to get together in society and celebrate not just the lord but also life. May god bless everyone and may all their obstacles on the way to success be removed. Happy Ganesha Chaturthi.
One of the most elaborate and grandest of Indian festivals, Ganesh Chaturthi is here and so are the modakas and laddus—trademark delicacies of our elephant God. The festival marks the birthday of Lord Ganesha, the Vignaharta (obstacle remover) for good work, the Lord of knowledge, wisdom,...
One of the most elaborate and grandest of Indian festivals, Ganesh Chaturthi is here and so are the modakas and laddus—trademark delicacies of our elephant God. The festival marks the birthday of Lord Ganesha, the Vignaharta (obstacle remover) for good work, the Lord of knowledge, wisdom, prosperity and good fortune. The festival is also known as Vinayak Chaturthi or Vinayak Chavithi. It is celebrated on the fourth day of the month Bhaadrapada according to Hindu calendar.
It is interesting to note that this festival is one of the few Hindu festivals that is celebrated socially. Although there is no written records in Vedas or Puranas of the festival being celebrated as a social event, the first recorded celebration of this festival socially dates back to the times of Maratha King Chatrapati Shivaji in Maharashtra.
The concept was re-introduced in British colonial times by two freedom fighters, Bhausaheb Laxman Javale and Lokamanya Tilak, to bring people together for the cause of Independence.
This tradition has been observed throughout India since then and more so in the states of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu and Goa. One gets to see lord Ganesha’s idol in every corner of the streets in these states.
If one feels that he/she is missing all the fun in India, the good news is that there are quite a few places to go to in Auckland as well. The festive atmosphere in Auckland Sri Ganesha temple in Papakura is palpable with the celebrations in full swing from September 17, the actual day of GaneshaChaturthi to September 26. The chief priest of this South Indian temple, Shiva Sri Chandru Kurukkal says, “Usually the temple is open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. but on this special occasion, the temple is open from 4:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. till 26th of this month. Special pujas are being conducted and we are leaving no stone unturned to make this festival a big one for devotees.”
Auckland’s Marathi Association Inc (AMAI), is doing its bit to take the Ganesh Chaturti celebrations to new heights in true Maharashtrian style. The association is celebrating Ganeshotsav on September 20from 3 p.m. and after the traditional Ganapatisthapana, puja and aarati, numerous cultural programmes are being lined up. When contacted, we were told that non-Marathis and non-members too can be a part of the celebrations for a nominal charge.
New Zealand Kannada Koota (NZKK) and New Zealand Telugu Association (NZTA) too are celebrating Ganesha Chaturthi in grand fashion. The actual day of celebration is not a weekend and it is hardly any disappointment. NZKK is organizing a puja and celebrations on September 26 and NZTA is celebrating on September 17 (I am yet to get confirmation of the dates).
Although the magnitude and scale of the celebrations in India during Ganesh Chaturti cannot be matched, the spirit and enthusiasm is not lacking in our city as well. These social gathering in the pretext of festival goes a long way in bonding the community together and help in re-living our culture.
We at Indian Weekender wish all our readers a happy Ganesha Chaturthi and hope the lord clears your path of all obstacles. Ganapathi Bappa Morrya!
1. Bhartiya Mandir Bharatiya Mandir
252 Balmoral Road, Sandringham, Auckland
• Anant Chaturdashi and Samudra Yatra Ganesh Visarjan
Sunday, September 27th (Book by September 24th)
• Satyanarayan Mahapuja
Sunday, September 27th
From 09:30 am to 12:30 pm
• Saamuhik Aarti, Bhajan & Satsang
From September 17 to 26, 7:45 am onwards
• Free Abhishek for all devotees
From September 17 to 26, 7:30 pm onwards
2. Auckland Sri Ganesha temple:
Address: #4 Dent Place, Papakura, Auckland
Website: http://www.aucklandsriganeshtemple.com
Celebrations from September 17 to 26. Open all days from 4:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
3. Auckland Marathi Association Inc.
Address: Freeman’s bay community hall, 52 Hepburn Street, Freeman’s Bay, Auckland.
Website: www.amai.org.nz
Celebrations start from 3 p.m., September 20.
4. Auckland Kannada Koota Association
Address: Kannada Koota, Fickling Center, 546 Mount Albert Road, Three Kings, Auckland 1042.
Website: www.kannadakoota.co.nz
Celebrations start from 5:45 p.m., September 26
5. New Zealand Telugu Association
Address: Western Springs Hall, 956, Great North Road, Western Springs, Auckland
Website: www.nzta.org
Celebrations start from 7:15 p.m., September 17
Wishes from the community
Devika: First thing I do every day after getting up in the morning is bow to lord Ganesha and I do the same just before I go to bed. By doing that, I feel I get the power to face the challenges every day life. For me, Ganesh Chaturthi is one day when I can take some time out and thank the lord for being the source of energy, every single day.
Ravi: I remember my granny saying that one big thing that a person can learn from lord Ganesha is the ability to control mind, which is as fickle as the mouse he rides on. For me Lord Ganesh is a symbol of concentration and obstacle remover. I wish everyone happy Ganesh Chaturti and hope that Lord removes all hurdles in life and reward everyone with fruits for their hard work.
Pratik: Happy Ganesh Chaturthi to all. In India, my friends and I would pool in money in the apartment we stayed in and get a big Ganesha idol and do Ganapathisthapana. Everyone in the apartment would gather early in the morning and do puja. This year my friends sent me the photos taken during the celebrations. I can’t express in words how much I am missing my family and friends on Ganesh Chaturthi.
Kanksha: Lord Ganesh is my favourite deity and Ganesh Chaturthi reminds me of all the sweets and modakas that are prepared on this day. I still remember going from one pandaal to another with friends looking for prasad. Immersing Ganesh’s idol is another thing I miss a lot. The atmosphere of this festival is wonderful. May Lord Ganesha bless everyone good health and help people overcome their hurdles in life. Happy Ganesha Chaturthi.
Jagadeeshwar Reddy Patlolla (President New Zealand Telugu Association): May Lord Ganesha keep everyone protected from obstacles at all times and bless everyone with good health and wealth, giving a rainbow for every storm, a smile for every tear, a promise for every care, and an answer to every prayer. Happy Ganesh Chaturthi!
Shiva Sri ChandruKurukkal: Ganesh Chaturthi is one of the most beautiful and colourful festivals. It is also a time for people to get together in society and celebrate not just the lord but also life. May god bless everyone and may all their obstacles on the way to success be removed. Happy Ganesha Chaturthi.
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