Srinagar, Sept 07 : Kashmiri Pandits across the world are celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi, traditionally known as Vinayak Tchoram, with great devotion and enthusiasm.
This year’s celebrations began on 7th September 2024, and are being marked by grand religious ceremonies at the Siddhivinayak Ganpatyar Mandir in Srinagar and Vessu KP Colony in Anantnag, South Kashmir.
Like previous year, the Siddhivinayak Ganpatyar Mandir and the Vessu Welfare Committee have organized a Hawan (a sacred fire ritual) and Prasad distribution to mark the auspicious
occasion.
These events are being held with an instrumental support from Shri Bausaheb Rangari Trust, Pune, headed by Shri Punit Balan, who has once again provided eco-friendly Ganesha idols to the Kashmir Valley to ensure that the celebrations are
environmentally responsible.
The festival began with a Hawan at the Siddhivinayak Ganpatyar Mandir on September 7, followed by a similar ritual at Vessu KP Colony, Anantnag on 11th September 2024.
In addition to the religious ceremonies, five days of cultural and Bhajan evenings have been planned at Vessu KP Colony to bring the community together in a celebration of devotion and culture.
The festival will culminate in a procession for the immersion of the Ganesha idols, which will be carried from the Ganpatyar Mandir in Srinagar and the Vessu KP Colony to the banks of the Jhelum River.
This traditional procession, scheduled for 11th September 2024, is a major highlight of the celebrations.
A unique feature of the festival, known as Pann Pooza, involves the preparation of sweet bread as an offering to Lord Ganesha. This sacred bread is later distributed among family members and friends, symbolizing unity and communal bonding.
Despite the challenges faced during the militancy years, the local Muslim community in Kashmir continues to witness and participate in the celebrations, reflecting the enduring spirit
of communal harmony that transcends religious boundaries.
The participation of the local Muslim-majority population highlights the deep-rooted bonds of brotherhood and mutual respect in the Valley.
On behalf of the organizing committees, the Siddhivinayak Ganpatyar Mandir Management Committee and the Vessu Welfare Committee, a special note of thanks has been extended to Shri Punit Balan and the Shri Bausaheb Rangari Trust, Pune for their generous contribution of eco-friendly Ganesha idols. Their support has been instrumental in making the event both spiritually meaningful and environmentally conscious.
The organizing committees invite everyone to join in the sacred festivities and celebrate the
spirit of Vinayak Tchoram with devotion and unity.
