A towering murti of Lord Ganesh took centre stage as devotees gathered in Felicity, for the final day of Ganesh Utsav celebrations.
The observance brings members of the Hindu community together to pay tribute to Lord Ganesh, revered as a symbol of wisdom, prosperity and new beginnings.
Standing majestically at approximately 10 feet tall and made from biodegradable material, this year’s murti of Lord Ganesh was at the centre of celebrations hosted for the 19th year by the Felicity Ganesh Utsav Festivals Committee.
For the Hindu community, Ganesh Utsav is a time to honour Lord Ganesh, revered as the remover of obstacles and the deity associated with wisdom, prosperity and new beginnings.
“It started on the 14th of September, that’s the birthday of Shri Ganesh for the 11 days and today making the 12 day we do the Virsajan, carry Shri Ganesh back to the Ganga which we initially took dirt from the Ganga to make Shri Ganesh.”
The tradition carries a deeper significance, with the murti itself representing an expression of devotion and inspiration that is unique each year.
“The versions of Shri Ganesh for all years gone by is by dreams and vibrations we get to built this Murti. The Murti does not build just so, it have a meaning to it, every year is a meaning to the murti. This year, was a Dji and we went a head with this.”
These celebrations bring communities together and, despite the significant costs involved, organizers say the annual festivities remain a labour of love.
“The groups who are celebrating Ganesh Utsav, there’s a need for government intervention, and helping groups to do Ganesh utsav celebrations. It’s a very costly thing to do but yet we love shri ganesh and we try our best to do the celebrations in this manner.”
For devotees, the annual observance remains a deeply rooted expression of faith, community and devotion to Lord Ganesh.