Ganesh Chaturthi concludes with idol immersion ceremonies

Srinagar, Sep 11: The five-day religious festival Ganesh Chaturthi, traditionally known as Vinayak Tchoram, concluded here today

A large number of Kashmir Pandits participated in the Visarjan (immersion ceremony). This year’s celebrations were marked by religious ceremony at the Siddhivinayak Ganpatyar Mandir in Downtown Srinagar. The other function was held at Vessu KP Colony in Anantnag, South Kashmir.

The Siddhivinayak Ganpatyar Mandir and the Vessu Welfare Committee organised a Hawan (a sacred fire ritual) and Prasad distribution, supported by the Shri Bausaheb Rangari Trust, Pune, headed by Punit Balan. Eco-friendly Ganesha idols were provided for the Kashmir Valley, ensuring environmentally responsible celebrations.

“The Ganesha idols were carried in two grand processions—one from the Ganpatyar Mandir in Srinagar to the Jhelum River at HabBa 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, symbolising unity and communal bonding.

“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,” Siddhivinayak Ganpatyar Mandir Management Committee and Vessu Welfare Committee, South Kashmir Anantnag said in a statement.