Before you dive in, let’s shout out – Ganpati Bappa Morya, Mangal Murti Morya! Even if you are miles away from home, Ganesh Chaturthi is a blast wherever you are! Whether you’re chilling in a student flat in London or hanging out in a dorm in New York, this festival brings a slice of India right to you. From crafting awesome Ganpati idols to munching on sweet treats–or should I say ‘MODAKs’? – celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi abroad is all about keeping those festive vibes alive, no matter the distance. In this blog, we’ll explore how the Ganesh Festival is celebrated in different countries around the globe!
Ganesh Festival Around The World
With Indians living in every corner of the globe, Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated with just as much enthusiasm abroad. Countries like Canada, Mauritius, Thailand, Singapore, Cambodia, Burma, the US, the UK, and Fiji join in the festivities, with many even recognising the day with a public holiday!
Ganesh Festival In The US
Source: Triptyme Website
In the USA, many Hindu festivals are organised by the Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh and celebrated in various temples. Ganesh Chaturthi is widely observed in major cities with branches of this community. The largest festivities are held at the Philadelphia Ganesh Festival, mainly organised by the Marathi community. The celebrations feature cultural programmes, devotional singing, and a vibrant procession on the day of Visarjan.
Ganesh Chaturthi In Bay Area: is celebrated through a collaboration between The Bay Area Telugu Association (BATA), Maharashtra Mandal, and Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS) at the Fremont Hindu Temple. After ten days of festivities, the idol is immersed in the Pacific Ocean near the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco.
Celebrations at Sai Samsthan: The most significant celebrations in the USA occur at Sai Samsthan, a Hindu society in Illinois. Thousands of people from other cities travel to Illinois to participate in this grand festival. Smaller celebrations also take place in other states such as Florida, California, and New York.
Ganesh Festival In The UK
Source: Triptyme Website
Hounslow Ganesh Mandal – Hounslow: Residents celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi with an eco-friendly idol over two days. The first day features traditional puja, a fancy dress parade, rangoli competition, and DJ parties. The idol is immersed in the River Thames on the second day, marked by a grand procession.
Slough Mitra Mandal – Slough: Celebrations last 11 days, with activities for kids, including a 3D Ganesh competition. Daily Mahaprasad is served, and the Visarjan occurs on the 11th day.
Other Celebrations in the UK: Ganesh Chaturthi is also celebrated in Leicester, Birmingham, Cardiff, and Manchester. These events are organised by local Indian communities or prominent Hindu temples.
Ganesh Chaturthi In Dubai
In Dubai, Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated with great enthusiasm by the Indian community, reflecting their cultural traditions and devotion. Here are some key aspects of the celebration:
Source: UAE Moments (Ganesh Idols made in Dubai with eco-friendly material)
Families and communities celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi by installing clay idols of Lord Ganesha at home and in community halls. The puja lasts ten days, involving rituals, prayers, and bhajans. Indian community organisations host cultural events with music and dance, enhancing the festive spirit. Traditional sweets, especially modak, are offered to Ganesha, with local Indian restaurants in Dubai serving special menus featuring these delicacies.
Ganesh Chaturthi In Philadelphia & Other Regions
The Philadelphia Ganesh Festival stands out as one of the most prominent Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations in North America. This festival is also observed in Canada (especially around Toronto), the Detroit Metropolitan area (including Wayne State University), as well as in Mauritius, Malaysia, and Singapore.
In Mauritius, the festival has a rich history dating back to 1896 and is recognised as a public holiday by the government. In Malaysia and Singapore, where the Tamil-speaking Hindu community is significant, the festival is often referred to as Vinayagar Chaturthi.
Ganpati Celebrations In France
Source: Triptyme Website
In Paris, the Ganesh Festival is hosted by the Sri Manicka Vinayakar Alayam Temple, France’s largest Hindu temple, situated in the 18th arrondissement. The temple is central to the festival’s ceremonies and community events. Highlights include coconut-breaking rituals, lively music, dancing, and festive floats adorned with flowers, fruits, and traditional fabrics, enhancing the celebration throughout the area.
Ganesha’s Global Journey – How the Elephant-Headed God Is Known Across Continents?
Ganesha, the elephant-headed deity, has traversed cultures and continents, adapting to diverse traditions and interpretations. Here’s a snapshot of his journey across different regions:
- Cambodia: Worshipped as a primary deity since the 7th century, Ganesha is depicted with an elephant head and human body, predating his widespread popularity in India.
- Thailand: Known as Phra Phikanet or Phra Phikanesuan, Ganesha is revered for bringing fortune and success. Chachoengsao is famed for its massive Ganesha statues, including the tallest sitting and standing Ganeshas.
- Japan: Arriving in the 8th century, Ganesha, known as Kangiten, is associated with Buddhism and depicted as a dual-bodied figure, symbolising good luck for various groups including merchants and actors.
- Afghanistan: The Gardez Ganesha, discovered near Kabul and dating to the 7th-8th centuries CE, reflects the Indo-Afghan style and is contemporaneous with other significant statues from the Turk Shahis period.
- Tibet: Introduced in the 11th century by Indian Buddhist leaders, Ganesha became a revered figure in Tibetan Buddhism, with legends linking him to the establishment of Lamaism and the prophecy of Tibetan rule.
How To Celebrate Ganesh Festival Abroad?
Celebrating Ganesh Festival while studying abroad can be a meaningful way for students to connect with their cultural roots. They can join or organise community events through university cultural clubs, participate in traditional rituals like pujas and aartis, and create a festive atmosphere with a Ganesha idol in their living space. Engaging in cultural exchanges and sharing traditional sweets, such as modaks, can enrich the experience. For those far from home, using technology to connect with family or attending local celebrations can help bridge the gap and enhance their festive experience.
FAQs
Q1. Is Ganesh Chaturthi celebrated in other countries?
Ganesh Chaturthi is also observed by the Hindu diaspora elsewhere such as in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Singapore, Malaysia, Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, Suriname, other parts of the Caribbean, Fiji, Mauritius, South Africa, the United States, and Europe.
Q2. How to celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi in the USA?
To celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi abroad, join or organise community events, participate in traditional rituals, and create a festive atmosphere at home. Engage in cultural exchanges, share traditional sweets, and use technology to connect with family or attend local celebrations.
Q3. How is the festival of Ganesh Chaturthi celebrated in Britain?
In the UK, Indian Hindus celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi over two days. On the first day, devotees perform traditional poojas, worshipping an eco-friendly idol adorned with garlands and erukampoo.
Q4. How to do ganesh Visarjan in the USA?
In the United States, Ganesha’s Visarjan is often held in homemade pools or directly in the ocean. Similar to India, Indian communities in America come together for a Visarjan procession.
Q5. What are some eco-friendly alternatives for Ganesh idols that students can use abroad?
Students abroad can opt for eco-friendly Ganesha idols made from clay, paper, or biodegradable materials, which dissolve easily in water and have minimal environmental impact.
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