Ganesha Chaturthi Celebration at Rishikul Yogshala

On August 25, 2015, Rishikul Yogshala marked the beginning of its 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training with a vibrant celebration of Ganesha Chaturthi. For ten days, we joined in worshipping Lord Ganesha, the Hindu god of prosperity and new beginnings.

Who is Lord Ganesha?

Ganesha, the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, is uniquely depicted with an elephant head and a human body. Revered as the god of new beginnings, he is believed to bring prosperity and good fortune and remove obstacles.

The Celebration at Rishikul Yogshala

The festivities began with a beautifully crafted clay statue of Ganesha placed in an accessible area of the school. The ceremony was inaugurated with the unique sound of the conch horn, followed by an elaborate puja (prayer) ceremony. Led by a Hindu priest, or pujari, the ritual involved continuous chanting of the Vedas and various mesmerizing rites.

At Rishikul, we were fortunate to have Shiva lead the ceremony with his powerful and captivating voice. His welcoming demeanor encouraged everyone, regardless of their religion or nationality, to participate or observe.

The Rituals and Experiences

Sitting in front of Ganesha’s statue, though fascinating, required some adjustment, especially for those not accustomed to sitting cross-legged on the floor. Observing the ceremony is straightforward, involving simple tasks such as releasing flower petals at the appropriate times.

A particularly special part of the ceremony was receiving the ‘Tilaka’ mark on the forehead after drinking holy water. This ritual connects participants deeply and marks the third eye chakra. The ceremony concluded with a ‘Tilaka’ marking and the distribution of delicious Indian sweets and fruits.

The final morning included a fire ceremony (Agni-Yagya) where holy herbs and spices were offered to the fire. This purification ritual was followed by a vibrant color celebration.

The Grand Procession

The Ganesha statue was carried through the streets, accompanied by lively music from local musicians. All students and teachers from Rishikul Yogshala were dressed in white, which soon transformed into a rainbow of colors as everyone joined in throwing colorful powders. The joyous atmosphere was reminiscent of a Disney movie, with laughter, dancing, and vibrant colors blending together.

As we made our way to the River Ganges, the fun continued with playful splashing and the statue’s final immersion into the river. Our colorful clothes became white again, symbolizing the end of a joyous and transformative experience.

Conclusion

Participating in Ganesha Chaturthi at Rishikul Yogshala was an unforgettable experience, blending spirituality, culture, and community celebration. This unique festival not only offered a deep connection to Hindu traditions but also created lasting memories of joy and togetherness. To explore more about yoga teacher training and retreats in India, visit our homepage or check out our 300 Hour Yoga Teacher Training In Kerala, and 500 Hour Yoga Teacher Training In Kerala. For a more holistic experience, explore our Ayurveda Retreat in Kerala and Yoga Retreat in Kerala.