The Ganpati festival at BGV in East London was a spectacular celebration this year. It lasted an impressive ten days and was filled with devotion, community spirit, and cultural richness. The festivities started with a vibrant procession to welcome Ganpati Bappa, setting the tone for a series of events that brought together families and individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Festival Highlights
Daily Rituals: The festival included traditional rituals such as Sthapana (installation of the idol), Sunderkand recitation, and Satyanarayan Puja. These practices honoured Lord Ganesha and reinforced the community’s spiritual connections. Additionally, there were daily morning and evening aarti with prasad and garland prepared by the family responsible for that time.
Cultural Evenings: Each evening featured cultural programs, including Vishnu Sahasranamam Path, Hare Krishna Kirtan, and Bhajan sessions. These gatherings provided a platform for local talent to showcase their skills and engage the audience in devotional music.
Community Cooking: Around 40 families cooked for approximately 400 people on the ninth day. This communal effort highlighted the spirit of cooperation and generosity within the community, as everyone contributed to preparing a feast that brought joy to all attendees.
Final Day Ceremonies: The festival concluded with a Yagya (sacred fire ritual) and Visthapana puja, offering a heartfelt farewell to Ganpati Bappa before his immersion. Prayers and gratitude marked this poignant moment for the blessings received during the festival.
Environmental Consciousness as a Community: In a commendable effort to protect the environment, BGV utilized bio-friendly idols and ensured immersion within the community. The community used biodegradable disposables throughout the celebrations to minimize waste and prevent harmful materials from affecting Mother Earth.
Community Appreciation: The success of this year’s Ganpati festival is a testament to the vibrant spirit of BGV’s community. A heartfelt thank you goes out to:
All participants and every enthusiastic person who joined made this celebration memorable.
Volunteers: The unsung heroes who worked tirelessly behind the scenes ensured that every detail was executed flawlessly. Their dedication and hard work were crucial in creating a seamless experience for everyone involved.
Organizing Committee: The dedicated groups who planned and coordinated the events deserve applause for their meticulous efforts to unite the community.
This year’s Ganpati festival at BGV has once again demonstrated that when we unite to celebrate our shared traditions, we create a magical experience that resonates deeply within our hearts. Here’s to many more years of fostering community.
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What a fantastic achievement for a newly settled community in Barkingside! Ganapati festival brings joy to everyone from start to finish, especially at visarjan time when we all say ‘Ganapati Bapa Moryiya, Pudh Cha Varshi Laukar Ya’ a famous Marathi send off to our Aadi Dev who is graced from the start of many auspicious occasions in our lives. No other religion pays such respect and ticks boxes whether on universal acceptance, empathy towards animals and sustainable approach to nature’s resources. The festivals celebrates Shri Lokmanya Tilak’s brilliant way to defy the ban on public gathering by the British during their rule and also heralded public awareness and planning tactics towards the path of Independence. So well done BGV community -you have shown East Londoners how to do it and may this continue