📷 Hundreds throng temple to celebrate Lord Ganesh Festival

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KAMPALA - The Arya Samaj Hindu temple in Kampala was filled as hundreds of Indians and Ugandans of Indian descent gathered on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, to celebrate the Lord Ganesh Chaturthi Festival.

Ganesh Chaturthi, one of the most significant Hindu festivals, honours the birth of Lord Ganesh, the remover of obstacles and the god of wisdom. The 10-day celebration began on September 10 and concluded on September 19.

Indian High Commissioner to Uganda, Upender Singh Rawat gives offertory to Lord Ganesh at the temple during the festival. (Credit: Isaac Nuwagaba)

The temple, located at Arya Samaj Grounds in Kampala, was decorated with colourful flowers, leaves and vibrant lights, creating a festive atmosphere on Monday night before fireworks were displayed.

Devotees, clad in traditional attire, thronged the temple to offer prayers, worship and seek blessings from Lord Ganesh.

Some of the offerings and money that was offered to Lord Ganesh towards the festival at Arya Samaj Uganda temple in Kampala. (Credit: Isaac Nuwagaba)

“We are thrilled to celebrate this auspicious occasion with our community," Upender Singh Rawat, the High Commissioner of India to Uganda said, adding: "Ganesh Chaturthi reminds us of the importance of wisdom, prosperity, and good fortune".

An Indian lights candles as one of the key customs at the celebration of Lord Ganesh festival. (Credit: Isaac Nuwagaba)

The festivities began with a procession, Indian music and songs where devotees prayed to a majestic idol of Lord Ganesh at Arya Samaj Uganda temple, Prince Charles Avenue in Kololo.

According to chief priest Anant Pandar who led the service directly from India, throughout the day, devotees perform rituals, chant hymns, and offer modaks (sweet dumplings) to Lord Ganesh.

A believer holds a hot candle during prayers at Arya Samaj Uganda temple during Lord Ganesh festival celebrations. (Credit: Isaac Nuwagaba)

Strong ties between Uganda and India

Rawat, who led the Indian communities living in Uganda attended the celebrations, highlighting the strong ties between Uganda and India.

Nitil Kumar Yadav, the proprietor of Mantra Technologies holds a candle with his son praying to Lord Ganesh. (Credit: Isaac Nuwagaba)

“India and Uganda share a rich cultural heritage," Rawat said. “We appreciate Uganda's community contributions, especially towards economic and social development ushered in by President Yoweri Museveni. The freedom of worship is what puts Uganda on the map and international diplomacy," he said.

Believers tie a rope of dollar money to the neck of Lord Ganesh during the marking of the festival at Arya Samaj temple in Kampala. (Credit: Isaac Nuwagaba)

He emphasized the significance of Ganesh Chaturthi. "This festival promotes unity, harmony, and spiritual growth. We are grateful for the warm hospitality extended by the Ugandan government and people".

Celebration of heritage

Nitil Kumar Yadav, the proprietor of Mantra Technologies Uganda said culture is celebrated to mark Ganesh's contribution according to Hindu culture, beliefs and customs.

Fireworks was displayed during the Lord Ganesh festival at Arya Samaj Uganda temple by the Indians. (Credit: Isaac Nuwagaba)

"As the sun sets, the temple grounds transform into a vibrant cultural hub, with traditional Indian cuisine, music, and dance performances on stage, we are able to remember our roots very well."

“Ganesh Chaturthi is a celebration of our heritage and traditions," said Sudhir Balsure, the chairperson Maharashtra Mandal Kampala, an organisation of all Indian communities. "We are proud to share our culture with our Ugandan friends."

Some of the hundreds of Indians and Ugandans of Indian descent who gathered at the Arya Samaj Hindu temple in Kampala to celebrate the Ganesh Chaturthi festival. (Credit: Isaac Nuwagaba)

Symbolising the cycle of life and rebirth, Indians shall immerse the idol of Lord Ganesh in Lake Victoria marking the end of the celebrations.

The festival is observed all over India but is mostly respected in a bigger way in Maharashtra, one of the states of India.

Indians who turned up were fed on vegetable diets, only accepted by Lord Ganesh, the god of wisdom and abundance. (Credit: Isaac Nuwagaba)

The Ganesh Chaturthi festival brought together the Indian community in Uganda, strengthening cultural bonds and promoting unity.