SRINAGAR: Kashmiri Pandits in the Valley have commenced Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations with devotion and enthusiasm.
Traditionally known as Vinayak Tchoram, the festival is marked by the installation of Ganesha murtis (idols) in homes and elaborately decorated pandals.
This year’s festivities began on Wednesday with grand religious ceremonies at the Siddhivinayak Ganpatyar Temple, the All PM Package Employees Welfare Association in Indira Nagar, Shiv Temple, and Vessu KP Colony in Anantnag. Following the tradition, hawans (sacred fire rituals) and distribution of prasad were organized to mark the auspicious occasion.
The events are being supported by the Shri Bausaheb Rangari Trust in Pune, headed by Punit Balan, which has provided eco-friendly Ganesha idols to ensure the celebrations remain environmentally responsible.
Beyond religious rituals, five days of cultural programs and bhajan evenings have been planned, bringing the community together in celebration of devotion and heritage.
The festival will conclude with processions for the immersion of Ganesha idols, carried from Ganpatyar Mandir, Shiv Temple, and Vessu KP Colony to the banks of the Vitasta (Jhelum) River. These processions, scheduled for August 31 and September 2, are a key highlight of the celebrations.
A distinctive aspect of the festival, called Pann Pooza, involves preparing sweet bread as an offering to Lord Ganesha, which is later shared among family and friends, symbolizing unity and communal bonding.
Despite the challenges faced during the militancy years, the local Muslim community continues to witness and participate in the celebrations, reflecting the enduring spirit of communal harmony in the Valley. Their involvement highlights the deep-rooted bonds of brotherhood and mutual respect that transcend religious boundaries.
