मकर संक्रांत
गुढी पाडवा
कविता मैफल
गणेश चतुर्थी
कोजागिरी
स्मरणयात्रा
दिवाळी
गणेश चतुर्थी (२२ ऑगस्ट २००९)
Are we in Maharashtra ? This was the question that reverberated in the premises of the Hindu temple of Jacksonville Florida. The occasion was the "Ganesh Chathurthi" festival organized by Maharashtra Mandal of Jacksonville, Florida on Aug, 22 2009. Over 100 devotees from all walks of life attended this event which was held for the first time in Jacksonville.
The event started with Ganpati "Mirvanuk" (procession) with devotees chanting "Ganpati Bapa Moriya, Mangal Murti Moriya". A Ganpati idol adorned in traditional and sacred clothes was paraded through the campus of the temple. Young children exposed to this unique exposure for the first time , joined in the fun and started dancing along with their parents. The attendees then entered into the main temple hall for the Ganesh Puja. Led by Pandit Srinath Kadambiji, the aarti's were performed with profound devotion. The divine music filled the temple , as members reminisced the days of their youth in the state of Maharashtra during the Ganesh celebrations. Far away from their homeland, they felt that they had been transported to it. The cultural events preceding the aarti's kept the audience engrossed for the next hour. Hosted excellently by Mrs. Amruta Kulkarni, it boasted of the talent of local artists of the Maharashtrian community of various ages. Devotional sings, Instrumental music, short stores and dramas were performed by the young and all. After quizzing , Mr. Abhijit Mulay's knowledge on Lord Ganesh, gifts were distributed to all participating youngsters. The event was open to all members of the community. "Prasad" and lunch was distributed to all those of attended it. After watching the unique experience, members walked away wanting to continue the tradition next year and try to top it.
Invitation flyer.
