The Indian-American community is currently celebrating the ten-day festival of Lord Ganesh all over the United States, as well as other countries where the Indian diaspora is spread.
One of the largest such celebrations was held Sept. 15, 2021, in Bellerose, Queens, New York City, where hundreds of devotees gathered to pray to their deity, the ‘Remover of Obstacles’ Lord Ganesh.
Conchs rent the air as the prayers were recited, a massive statue of Lord Ganesh was the highlight of the event, as was an ornate horse-driven chariot. People sang in praise of Lord Ganesh, and pujas were performed by the priest. Devotees expressed their joy at being present. Organizers billed it as the ‘4th biggest Ganesh Utsav’ in New York this year.
Several temple priests as well as leaders of the community were present at the lamp lighting ceremony and spoke at the event, including Padma Shri Dr. Sudhir Parikh, chairman of Parikh Worldwide Media, and publisher of Desi Talk and News India Times. Dr. Sudha Parikh and Dr. Sudhir Parikh were among those who participated in the puja.
Priest Pakabhai Patel spoke of India and Hinduism’s ancient traditions and contributions to the world. He urged everyone to stay united and “keep Hinduism alive”.
Dr. Parikh, who was recognized with an award for his contributions to the community, said the Ganesh festival “is the only way we can connect our second and third generations to our religion. That is very, very important because our kids should know where they are coming from; a connection to the family. This is the only way toteach them what is Ganeshji, this … God who helps everyone to remove the obstqacles in our lives. Jai Ganeshji! Ganeshbapu Morya!”
Dr. Sudha Parikh said the Ganesh murti was beautiful and the whole environment at the festival was wonderful. “We felt great joy,” she said in an interview to ITV Gold.
Jay Sircar said this festival reminds people to remove the negativity and materialism from their lives and embrace positivity.
