Ganesh Chaturthi celebrated for nine days at Grayslake, Illinois Hindu Mandir

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The Hindu Mandir of Lake County, Grayslake, IL celebrated the nine-day long Lord Ganesh Chaturthi Utsav from Monday September 18 to Wednesday September 27, 2023. Devotees from Greater Chicago area came together to participate in various rituals and festivities during what Hindus consider an auspicious occasion.

On the first day, temple priests Anil Joshi, Balaji Gopala, and Radha Krishna, along with many devotees welcomed Lord Ganesh Ji by chanting Mantras and shouting slogan, ‘Ganapati Bappa Ki Jai.’

Later they performed ‘Stapan’ (installing) of the idol followed by Abhishekam, Archana, home-made Naivedyam and Maha Mangala Arati of all the deities of the temple. Priests conducted Archana and Arati and offered the Naivedyam twice every day.

On September 23, Chicago Maharashtrian Mandal sponsored the special Abhishekam, Archanas, and Naivedyam to Lord Ganesh. More than 300 hundred devotees attended this special event and made it a grand success. All the members gathered and performed their traditional Dhol –Tasha presentation ritual. With folded hands and heartfelt prayers, they offered their respects and sought the blessings of Lord Ganesh. They also served Maharashtrian special Maha Prasadam to all the devotees.

On September 24, temple priests along with sponsors performed Lord Ganapati Homam followed by Abhishekam, Archanas, Naivedyam, Arati and serving of Maha Prasadam to all the devotees. On Wednesday, September 27, the Hindu Mandir arranged a Visarjan Puja of the temple Ganesh idol along with many idols of devotees.

In the evening, the Visarjan procession was led by the temple’s Ganesh idol carried by Vikas Mann, followed by other devotees carrying their own idols, chanting and shouting slogans such as ‘Ganpati Bappa Morya Pudhchya Varshi Lavkar Ya!, and Ganpati Bappa Morya Agle Baras Tu Jaldi Aa.’. Priests purified the water in the big artificial water tub by sprinkling Ganga, Gulab jal, Chandan and Kumkum while chanting sacred mantras. The idols were then immersed.”

Pt. Joshi Ji blessed all the devotees on the first and last day – “May Lord Ganesh bless you all with excellent Buddhi, Vivek and everything you want in your life. May HE protect you and your family from all the obstacles and problems and fill your life with immense joy, prosperity, and happiness,” he said.

“Our children love Ganesh Chaturthi Utsav, the grand festival celebrating the birth of Lord Ganesh. This festival is a radiant spectacle that transforms our hearts and souls to be humble and devotional beings in life,” one of the devotees said.