top of page
Ganpati palkhi.jpg

Ganesh Festival

The public celebration of Ganesh Festival began in 1893, spearheaded by noted freedom fighter, social reformer and scholar Bal Gangadhar Tilak. Prior to this, the festival was predominantly a private celebration in many homes. Tilak recognized potential of the festival as a unifying force during a time when Indian society was highly fragmented along various lines such as class, language, caste, and religion, especially amidst the struggle for independence against British colonial rule.

Tilak's vision was to utilize the popularity of Ganesh Festival to bring together people from diverse backgrounds, transcending barriers of caste, class, and religion, in the common cause of fighting for freedom. By transitioning the celebration from private homes to public platforms, he aimed to create a space where people could unite, irrespective of their differences, and collectively work towards the goal of achieving independence.

Despite facing criticism from both conservative and liberal factions, Tilak emphasized the inclusive nature of the public celebration, highlighting its role in fostering unity and solidarity among all sections of society. Thus, the public celebration of Ganesh Festival emerged as a symbol of communal harmony and collective action, marking the beginning of a tradition that continues to thrive and evolve to this day. Today, Ganesh Festival celebration has evolved providing platform for community engagement activities like food donation, blood donation drive & charitable work.

 In the USA, Ganesh Festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm by the Indian community, serving as a reminder of cultural heritage and spiritual devotion. Major cities across the country host vibrant celebrations, typically organized by Indian associations or community groups.

During the festivities, traditional rituals such as prayers, hymns, and offerings are performed to honor Lord Ganesha, the revered deity symbolizing wisdom and prosperity. Community members come together to participate in cultural programs, including music, dance performances, and theatrical presentations that showcase the rich diversity of Indian culture. One of the highlights of these celebrations is the immersion procession or "Ganesh Visarjan," where a statue of Lord Ganesha is immersed in water, symbolizing the cycle of creation and dissolution. Beyond the religious and cultural aspects, the Ganesh Festival in the USA also serves as a platform for social engagement and community service.

The Ganesh Festival, begins on Ganesh Chaturthi or Vinayaka Chaturthi which is Shukla Chaturthi, the fourth day of the waxing moon period in the Hindu calendar month of Bhadrapada. This typically falls between August 19th and September 20th each year, depending on the lunar calendar. The festival spans for 10 days, culminating on the 14th day of Bhadrapada, known as Anant Chaturdashi, which is when the immersion of Lord Ganesha's idols, also called Ganesh Visarjan, takes place in water bodies.

cgm-cp.jpg

OMKAR (Ganesh Festival)

Key events

1

Religious Activities

  1. Hartalika Puja

  2. Prastishthapana Puja

  3. Atharvasheersha Saharasvartan & Vishnu Sahasranamam

  4. Satyanarayan Puja

  5. Ganesh Puja & Aarti during the festival.

2

Community Engagement

  1. Creative Competitions (Indoor)

  2. Chess Tournaments

  3. Religious Chant Competitions

  4. Ganesh idol making workshop

3

Cultural Programs

  1. Devotional Music Program

  2. Gurukul Bhajan by kids

  3. Cultural Program (Adults & Kids)

  4. Immersion Procession (Visarjan Procession)

bottom of page