SRINAGAR: Kashmiri Pandits are celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi, traditionally known as Vinayak Tchoram, with great devotion and enthusiasm. This year’s celebrations began on August 7, 2024, marked by grand religious ceremonies at the Siddhivinayak Ganpatyar Mandir in Srinagar and Vessu KP Colony in Anantnag, South Kashmir.
“The Siddhivinayak Ganpatyar Mandir and the Vessu Welfare Committee have organized a Hawan, a sacred fire ritual, and Prasad distribution to commemorate the occasion. Instrumental in these events is the Shri Bausaheb Rangari Trust, Pune, led by Shri Punit Balan. The trust has once again provided eco-friendly Ganesha idols to the Kashmir Valley, ensuring that the celebrations are environmentally responsible,” reads a statement issued by the Siddhivinayak Ganpatyar Mandir Management Committee and the Vessu Welfare Committee to Kashmir Dot Com.
“The festival commenced with a Hawan at the Siddhivinayak Ganpatyar Mandir on August 7, followed by a similar ritual at Vessu KP Colony on September 11, 2024. In addition to these religious ceremonies, the Vessu KP Colony has planned five days of cultural events and Bhajan evenings to foster community spirit and celebrate devotion and culture.”
“The festival will culminate in a traditional procession for the immersion of the Ganesha idols. This procession, scheduled for September 11, 2024, will see the idols carried from the Ganpatyar Mandir in Srinagar and the Vessu KP Colony to the banks of the Jehlum River. A unique feature of this year’s celebration is Pann Pooza, the preparation of sweet bread as an offering to Lord Ganesha. This sacred bread will be distributed among family and friends, symbolizing unity and communal bonding,” the statement further reads.
“Despite challenges during the militancy years, the local Muslim community continues to witness and participate in these celebrations, reflecting the enduring spirit of communal harmony in the Valley. The participation of the local Muslim-majority population highlights deep-rooted bonds of brotherhood and mutual respect. On behalf of the organizing committees, the Siddhivinayak Ganpatyar Mandir Management Committee and the Vessu Welfare Committee extend their gratitude to Shri Punit Balan and the Shri Bausaheb Rangari Trust for their generous contribution of eco-friendly Ganesha idols. Their support has been crucial in making the event both spiritually meaningful and environmentally conscious.”
“The organizing committees invite everyone to join in the sacred festivities and celebrate Vinayak Tchoram with devotion and unity,” the statement added. (KDC)
