In Amritapuri, Lord Ganesha has once again taken all challenges surrendered to Him into the waters of the Arabian Sea. Ganesha Chaturthi is the annual 11-day festival that celebrates the birth of the elephant-headed deity who is the Remover of Obstacles.
“Let us pray to the Lord that all obstacles be removed and may the world experience peace and happiness,” said Amma as she blessed the idols devotees carried in their hands and hearts.
In gratitude, faith, and love, they continued the procession from the Bhajan Hall to the beach as a grand celebration for the final day. They completed the visarjan, immersion of Ganesha’s idol, into the vast expanse of sea at the Ashram’s shores. Drumbeats and chanting “Ganapathi Bappa Moriya” echoed across the blue horizon, and a vision dawned of the sunset of sorrow on Earth.
This year, Ganesha Chaturthi began on September 7 and was observed across our centres and institutions worldwide. Each evening in the Kalari in Amritapuri, pujaris conducted traditional rites as all gathered sang joyful bhajans. Among the most jubilant and dedicated were the Ashram children.
Alongside the many other events, students and faculty came together in large numbers every day at the Amritapuri Campus of Amrita University. Their high spirits filled the air with colourful prayers, music, and celebration.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the world, processions, pujas, and bhajans were performed on a daily basis at the MA Centers in San Ramon and Chicago. With great reverence and jubilation, the devotees welcomed Lord Ganesha to the Ashrams and into their hearts.
Many one-day gatherings also took place at our centres throughout the globe, bringing the communities together in happiness and love. For example, people gathered at our centre in Mauritius, Africa to pray to Ganesha for His blessings to wash away all sorrows and bring both material and spiritual well-being.
In all places, the devotees carried the idols to local bodies of water or placed them in their own containers to symbolise the immersion. It is believed this allows Ganesha to return to his celestial home after spending time in service to the people of the earthly realm. It also reminds us of the impermanence of life.
