विघ्नेश्वराय वरदाय सुरप्रियाय लम्बोदराय सकलाय जगद्धितायं।
नागाननाय श्रुतियज्ञविभूषिताय गौरीसुताय गणनाथ नमो नमस्ते॥
Ganesh Chaturthi, also known as the Ganpati festival, is celebrated to honour the birth of Lord Ganesh, who is revered as Vighnaharta, the remover of obstacles. Ganpatiji is “Pratham Pujya” (the first to be worshipped) in any Hindu ritual. The reasons for that are uniquely described in the Shiv Puran, Brahmand Puran, Varah Puran, and Ling Puran, but all scriptures acknowledge him as the first God to be worshipped. As per the Shiv Puran, when Lord Ganesh’s head was replaced with that of an elephant, Goddess Parvati, Lord Shiv, and all the Devs blessed him with the boon that he would be worshipped before all other gods. Hence, we perform pooja to Ganesh first.
Gajanan is symbolized by the largest land mammal, the elephant. His large ears represent a great capacity to listen, and his massive forehead indicates intellectual prowess and memory. The trunk, with its extraordinary capabilities—such as detecting water from miles away—symbolizes that the solution to any problem is always within reach. Before starting any task, we need good planning, foresight, and efficient leadership, and these are the qualities and blessings we receive from Buddhipriya (Lord Ganesh).
Ganesh Chaturthi, typically celebrated in the Hindu month of Bhadrapada, usually falls in September and coincides with the exam season for many students. The festival lasts for 10 days, beginning on Shukla Chaturthi and concluding on Anant Chaturdashi. Lord Ganesh, the god of wisdom and remover of obstacles, is invoked not just during exams but throughout life, symbolizing clarity of thought, resilience, and the pursuit of knowledge.
At Atmiya Vidya Mandir, where holistic development is as important as academics, we have been guided by His Divine Holiness Hariprasad Swamiji to focus on the spiritual and moral lessons that Lord Ganesh offers. Swamiji emphasized the importance of developing qualities such as determination, adaptability, focus, patience, humanity, generosity, devotion, compassion, unity, obedience, and many more. Through His speech, thought and action, He taught us how to embody these qualities of Lambodaray in our daily lives to foster personal and spiritual growth. As a result, AVM Bhoolkus (students) cherish these festivals and learn these qualities from them.
Despite the looming exams in September, the students’ excitement for Ganpati’s arrival remained unshaken. On the evening of 7th September, the long wait of Bhoolkus finally ended. As the clock struck 5 in the evening, they eagerly rushed out of their classes to participate in the procession with enthusiasm. They gathered near the school temple and witnessed a beautifully decorated chariot ready for the procession. The celebration began with the ceremonial procession from the temple building. Students, teachers, didis, housemasters, and staff participated in the vibrant procession through the school premises. The air was filled with devotion and joy as they welcomed Ganpati with chants of “Ganpati Bappa Morya!”, devotional music, lezim, and garba dances, marking the beginning of this cherished time.
After the procession, the murti finally arrived at the temple, where housemasters Subhash Sir and Mahesh Sir carried the idol with reverence. The Murti Sthapana was performed by Himanshu Sir, along with his wife Binal Didi, and Bhoolku Atmiya Bhai, following a proper sthapana pujan, placing the idol on a beautifully decorated stage in the temple. The students then gathered to perform the aarti, did prayers and received prasad. For the next seven days, they enjoyed daily puja and aarti, offering their wishes and devotion to Ganpati, cherishing every moment of His presence.
Finally, on 13th September, 5:00 p.m. after the seven days of devotional festivity, it was the time for Ganesh Visarjan. The journey of Ganesh Visarjan began with the procession from the school’s prathana mandir. Students, teachers, didis, housemasters, and all other members of Atmiya Parivar had joined the procession, with students dancing to the beats of drum and devotional songs, as well as the exceptional performance of garba and chanting of “Ganpati Bappa Morya, Pudhchya Varshi Lavkar Ya!” (Hail Lord Ganesh! Come again next year!)
After reaching the immersion place, i.e., the school’s swimming pool, all children and staff gathered around the pool with Ganesh at the centre point. A surprise dance on the famous devotional song “Deva Shree Ganesha, Deva Shree Ganesha” was performed by grade 5 students of Suhradam House, which filled the atmosphere with a sense of divine celebration. Later, an aarti was performed by the staff members. Following that came the most emotional phase, of the moment the visarjan. The students of Grade 12 carried the murti in the swimming pool for pradakshina followed by visarjan. Loud cheers of “Ganpati Bapa Morya” were hailed by all present there. Then the students finally immersed Ganeshji into the pool bidding farewell, with prayers that all our sorrows, worries and problems also be immersed. Thus, the ceremony concluded around 7:00 p.m. leaving happy and positive vibes across the campus, with Ganeshji bestowing his blessings of wisdom on all of us.
Sadhana Ma’am and Rashmi Ma’am
Smrutis from Ganesh Chaturthi Utsav:
Smrutis from Ganesh Visarjan Utsav:
