With Onam and Raksha Bandhan just gone, another mega festival around the corner is Ganesh Chaturthi. Among one of the popular Hindu festivals for British Indians, Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated each year with grand events, vibrant celebrations and participation from young and old alike.
This year marks no exception as diaspora organisations, temples and community groups have already announced dates for events as the preparations continue in full swing!
iGlobal has collated this special as we get ready to welcome Ganpati Bappa into our homes and temples to commemorate the birth of Lord Ganesha – the god of auspicious beginnings associated with wisdom, prosperity, and good fortune. This year, Ganesh Chaturthi falls on September 19 and Ganesh Visarjan is observed on September 28.
Meanwhile, here’s a quick review of some highlights to watch out for as the British Indian diaspora celebrates the festival with pomp…
Manchester’s Gita Bhavan Temple will once again welcome Ganpati Bappa with the Marathi community planning a range of exciting activities.
September 16
This "Creating Eco-Friendly Ganesha" online workshop by Rooftop invites people to discover the art of eco-conscious celebrations by crafting your own Ganesha idol using natural clay while also learning about its cultural significance and embracing sustainability.
September 18-24
Edinburgh Hindu Temple will be celebrating the Ganesh Chaturthi, including the Sthapana (installing the idol) and the Visarjan (immersing in a body of water, marking the end of the festival).
September 19
Karuna Manor Care Home in Harrow will be hosting an evening of prayers with the residents and the wider community as well as raising money for a local temple.
Also on the same day, in Nottingham, the Sanskriti Association of Nottingham in association with Bhagwati Shakti Peeth, have arranged grand celebrations to celebrate the festival. From traditional and cultural festivities like a lively procession and music to fun activities like antakshari, quizzes, talent show and sports, the “Ganeshotsav and Anandmela 2023” has something for everyone.
There will also be a daily aarti and a prashad (food offering) dinner offered to all visiting devotees.
The Visarjan is scheduled at Wollaton Park in association with Nottingham City Council and NAAC on September 28.
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September 19-20
Hounslow Ganeshotsav Mandal’s 16th Ganesh Chaturthi Celebrations will be held on September 19 and 20. There will be food stalls, fun-filled competitions - both online and at the venue – as well as dhol, DJ, lezim performances and a grand procession will mark Hounslow’s Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations.
September 23
The Bromley Temple & Cultural Association’s Ganesh Mahotsav event will be the associations 5th Ganesh Utsav. The day will consist of Sthapana, aarti, the cultural programme and the visarjan on the same day and will be held at the Crofton Halls.
Gita Bhavan Hindu Temple has been at the forefront of Ganesh Utsav festivities for many years running. This year’s festivities are also all set to draw in large crowds and see several local community artists and children showcase their talents to the wider community. With fun cooking and drawing competition entries already opened and underway – the winners being announced on the day – the event promises to be another grand welcome for Bappa.
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September 24
Southampton’s South Indian Arts and Cultural Society will also be hosting an elaborate event which will include ceremonies like the alankaram (decoration), avahanam (invocation), cultural performances and abisekham (ritual bathing of the idol) at the Garth Hill College
The Marathi Mandal Reading’s “Ganeshotsav 2023” will be held at the Reading Hindu Temple and will see a host and range of various activities, with something for everyone!