The Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations, hosted by Minister of Public Utilities Barry Padarath at the Couva South Multipurpose Hall on Sunday, heralded the auspicious start of the Ganesh Utsav observances.
Sunday’s celebrations focused on unity and new beginnings as one of Hinduism’s most beloved gods, the elephant-headed Bhagwan Ganesha, known as the remover of obstacles, was honoured.
It was a packed programme of prayers and offerings, punctuated by fervent bhajans, tassa, and dancing in the presence of one of the largest Ganesha murtis unveiled locally.
The Ganesh puja was officiated by Pundit Avinash Maharaj, who encouraged those present to push forward with positive thinking.
Referencing Bhagwan Ganesha as the remover of obstacles, Minister Padarath reminded those present of the power of their dharma and duty.
“Dharma is not only chanting and doing the ritualistic puja. It is the way you choose to live your life, and every single thing that we do has politics in it – whether you want to admit it, like it, or not. And therefore, we are the vessels; we are the instruments that Bhagwan utilises to make it happen.”
Minister Padarath then gave an example of how the energy of Bhagwan Ganesha can be embodied through service.
“It’s often said, ‘Work is worship, but duty is God.’ When I came here today, earlier, I saw one of the board members from Couva South, who sits on the MTS Board responsible for fixing our nation’s schools, and he wasn’t seated in luxury; he was lepaying the bedi with his bare hands. And to me, that is the greatest form of service.”
High Commissioner of India to Trinidad and Tobago, Dr Pradeep Rajpurohit, confirmed that the Bhagwan Ganesha festival was even the backdrop to India’s independence movement.
“Ganesh Chaturthi has evolved as a festival but has a deep history in India’s independence struggle.”
Sunday’s Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations marked the beginning of the nationwide Ganesh Utsav observances.
On Monday, the larger-than-life Ganesha murti was transferred from Couva South Hall to Grove Park, Otaheite.