By Connor Adams Sheets
September is one of the holiest months in the Hindu faith, and for the next nine days Flushing’s Sri Maha Vallabha Ganapati Devasthanam Temple will be opening its doors to the public as it rings in the birth of the Lord Ganesha in a grand fashion.
The Sri Ganesha Chaturthi celebration is of great importance to Hindus, who spend nine days praying, chanting and otherwise giving tribute to Lord Shiva’s eldest son, Ganesha, the elephant-headed god of knowledge and remover of obstacles. One of Ganesha’s palms is always extended to bless people and the festival is a way to show devotion to him.
For non-Hindu visitors, Sri Ganesha Chaturthi at the temple — also known as the Ganesa Temple — is a rare glimpse into some of the most interesting and sacred rituals of the ancient faith.
“This is the birthday of Lord Ganesha, so all the devotees will be happily participating,” said temple spokesman Pad Manabhan. “Though the temple is 33 years old, the Ganesha Chaturthi celebration has been held in this grand fashion here for 15 years.”
Every day from Sept. 4 to 12, visitors will be able to visit the temple to view prayer sessions, chanting and other religious acts as spectators.
The events will be kicked off Sept. 4 at 2:30 p.m., when a cadre of small children will lead a prayer session.
The most important day of the week is Sept. 11, Ganesh Chaturthi Day – Ganesha’s birthday — which will feature musical presentations at 3 p.m., dancing at 3:30 p.m. and more entertainment.
For the conclusion of the festival, at 12:30 p.m. Sept. 12, the Ratha Yatra — a 15-foot-tall silver chariot carrying a statue of Ganesha followed by a vast throng of devotees chanting holy verses — will travel through the streets of Flushing. Leaving the temple, it will make its way along Bowne Street, turn left onto 45th Avenue, continue onto Elder Avenue, turn right onto Main Street, head right onto Franklin Avenue, turn right onto Bowne Street and loop by Smart Street before returning to the temple.
Other highlights of the nine days of festivities will be prayers before the fire god around a fire pit.
The temple, at 45-57 Bowne St., is one of the most important places of worship for Hindus in North America. Consecrated July 4, 1977, it was an early symbol of the religion in the middle of Queens. Hinduism was little understood at that time and people egged the building, mistaking it for a cult.
Since then, the temple has helped disseminate understanding and tolerance of the religion, and the Ganesha Chaturthi events are a way for area residents to see what Hinduism is all about.
Manabhan said he appreciated that the temple has the opportunity to share the festival with the greater New York population and that reactions are always positive.
“It’s a grand, grand festival and it’s celebrated the same way in India, and we’re glad we can celebrate it here,” he said.
Reach reporter Connor Adams Sheets by e-mail at csheets@cnglocal.com or by phone at 718-260-4538.
