Koni Prakash Naik
Daijiworld Media Network- Muscat

Muscat, Sep 11: In continuation of the tradition, the Shree Ganesh Festival Committee, Muscat (Tulu Koota) is all set to organize the 28 year of Ganesh Chaturthi festival celebrations this year from Wednesday, September 19 to Friday, September 21 at Shiva Temple, Muscat. 

The ever enthusiastic organizers and hundreds of committed volunteers are geared up for action.

Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated with a belief that Lord Ganesha, son of Shiva and Parvathi, bestows His blessings on His devotees on this day. It is celebrated as the birthday of Lord Ganesha, the God of wisdom. Ganesh Chaturthi falls on the fourth day of the Hindu month of Bhadrapada.

Ganesh festival is best celebrated with the spirit of enthusiasm for wisdom and knowledge.  Ganesha is considered to be the supreme God of wisdom, fortune, prosperity and remover of all obstacles by the Hindus.

Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations in Muscat at Shiva Temple will commence at 9.05 am on September 19 starting with Ganesha Pratishtapana, Panchamrita Abhisheka and Gana Homa, followed by various traditional rituals (poojas) / offerings such as Aarati, Maha Pooja, Ranga Pooja etc., and 108 coconuts offering, laddu / modaka / chakkuli offerings etc.
 
Throughout the three-day festivities a variety of devotional/cultural programmes like Vedic Chants, Ganesha Sahasranama Smarane, Bharatnatyam/Odissi dances, dance ballet, Bhajans/devotional songs by different groups, Shukla Yajurveda Ghanam chanting, Veena recital etc., are being organized and the festive mood is going to reverberate from all corners.

Ganesh Chaturthi is one of the most popular of Hindu festivals and it is observed not only throughout India but also in all parts of the world by the devoted Hindus.  The spectacular festival honors the birth of the beloved Hindu elephant headed god, Lord Ganesha, who is popularly worshiped for his ability to remove obstacles (Vighna Vinashaka) and bring good fortunes to the mankind (Siddhi Vinayaka).

Shree Ganesh Festival Committee, Muscat, comprising Ramesh Shettigar (convenor), Koni Prakash Naik, Ramanand Kunder, S K Poojary, Karunakar Rao, Ashok Kotian, Umesh B, Shashidhar Shetty Mallar, Nagesh Shetty, Ravi Kanchan, Mangaldas Kamath, Gurudas Pejathaya, Shreenivas Shriyan, Dr Anchan C K and Kashinath N Anchan.

Due to the unstinted and selfless efforts put in by the members of Shree Ganesh Festival Committee with a feeling of oneness, the Muscat devotees have been fortunate to have had the opportunity to celebrate Ganesh festivals for all these years and the efforts are going on with one voice that says “Ganapathi Bappa Morya”.

All the devotees are cordially invited to participate in the celebrations, and be blessed by Lord Siddhi Vinayaka.