Ganesha Festival 2023

The ultimate truth in this existing world is that it is nothing but a collection of molecules. This is called as ‘Gana’ (collective form). Our own body is a ‘Gana’. It is made up of flesh, blood and bone marrow. Thus the Lord of all ‘Ganas’ is ‘GANESHA’. Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated on the day on which Lord Ganesha is believed to bestow his presence on earth for all his devotees. Ganesha, the elephant-headed is worshipped as the supreme god of wisdom, prosperity and good fortune. Though it is celebrated as the birthday of Lord Ganesha, the symbolism behind the festival is much deeper.

Science has discovered that within a single human DNA strand there can also be found the DNA of every other species on the planet. Therefore, we also carry the quality of every animal in us, in fact, this has been known since the ancient days.

The principal qualities of the elephant are wisdom and effortlessness. Elephants don’t walk around obstacles, neither do they stop at them – they just remove them and keep walking straight on. For instance, if there are trees in their path, they will just uproot those trees and proceed. So, when we worship Lord Ganesha, these elephant qualities within us, are kindled and we take on those qualities. The reason being that whatever you keep your attention on, you take on those qualities. So if you meditate on Ganesha, who has the head of an elephant, you will get the qualities of an elephant. You will overcome all obstacles.

Sankalpa or intention is a desire that has arisen from a peaceful and a strong mind. A sankalpa is surrendered to the universe. It lacks the feverishness of a usual desire simply because ‘your’ desire becomes the desire of the universe! The pujas and homas are a perfect opportunity to turn your desires into intentions. The pujas and homas make the mind rested and alert. From a peaceful mind, only powerful intentions arise. There is also an ancient process that taps the immense energy created during homas and pujas to make our sankalpa more powerful. The experienced pundits performing the pujas and homas aid the process. Be a part of the process.

Let us come together and celebrate the essence of this festival.

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September 19: Main Puja Begins at 10:00m (We will share the Zoom Link to watch Live if you are not able to make it in-person). Those who have taken Sankalpa can share their details while booking - Open to ALL if you have RSVPd

September 19 -September22: Every Evening Kirtan and Arati at 7pm (In-Person & Zoom Link will be shared)

Meditate on Guru Puja, Ganapati Atharvashirsha chants followed by kirtans - Open to ALL if you have RSVPd

September 22: 6:30pm In-Person Satsang/Kirtan to celebrate together with puja followed by prasad - Open to ALL if you have RSVPd

September 23: Visarjan (Time yet to be decided)

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For more information on this festival and about Ganesha (as shared by Gurudev Sri Sri), please click on the link:

https://wisdom.srisriravishankar.org/essence-of-ganesh-chaturthi-festival/

https://wisdom.srisriravishankar.org/10-mystical-facts-lord-ganesha/

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