Srinagar, August 2024: Kashmiri Pandits across the world celebrated Ganesh Chaturthi, traditionally known as Vinayak Tchoram, with great devotion and enthusiasm. This year’s celebrations began on 7th August 2024, marked by religious ceremonies at the Siddhivinayak Ganpatyar Mandir in Srinagar and the Vessu KP Colony in Anantnag, South Kashmir.
The Siddhivinayak Ganpatyar Mandir and the Vessu Welfare Committee organized a Hawan (a sacred fire ritual) and Prasad distribution, supported by the Shri Bausaheb Rangari Trust, Pune, headed by Shri Punit Balan. Eco-friendly Ganesha idols were provided for the Kashmir Valley, ensuring environmentally responsible celebrations.
The five-day festival concluded with the Ganesh Visarjan (immersion ceremony) on 11th September 2024. The Ganesha idols were carried in two grand processions—one from the Ganpatyar Mandir in Srinagar to the Jhelum River at Haba Kadal, and the other from Vessu KP Colony to the Sangam in Anantnag, covering an 11 km route from Vessu to Sangam. The processions were celebrated with great enthusiasm, music, and prayers by the local community.
A unique feature of the festival, known as Pann Pooza, involved the preparation of sweet bread as an offering to Lord Ganesha, symbolizing unity and communal bonding.
Despite the challenges during the militancy years, the local Muslim community in Kashmir continues to witness and participate in the celebrations, reflecting the spirit of communal harmony that transcends religious boundaries. Their participation highlights the deep-rooted bonds of brotherhood and mutual respect in the Valley.
