Ganesha Sthapana
2nd September (morning)
On the morning of the auspicious Ganesh Chaturthi, sthapana of a beautiful Ganesha murti was done by Swami Swatmanandaji at Chinmaya Priyam centre in Juhu. The murti of the Lord was eco-friendly and colours of haldi, kumkum, kajal and other organic materials were used. Swamiji explained that Ganesha is Sat, Chinmaya is Chit and Priya is Ananda. May we realize Supreme Brahman as Ganesha. May we all be Priya to Lord Ganesha who is Chinmaya. During this five-day celebration, each day between 6.00 - 6.30 pm, devotees assembled at the centre for aarti. Swamiji had charted out a series of beautiful programmes with talks at various venues – homes of devotees; to take forward the concept of Ghar Ghar Mein Ganesha.
Talk on Self-Leadership through Ganesha by Swami Swatmanandaji
2nd September (evening)
The first of this series of talks was held at the residence of Shri Dilip and Smt. Vibha Shanghvi. Swamiji spoke about what it takes to take charge of one’s life and explained how Self-Leadership is about leading oneself and empowering oneself with a HIGHER vision. Using the word ‘HIGHER’ as an acronym, Swamiji explained that H stands for higher goal, I stands for inner inspiration, G stands for great fortitude, H stands for have love, E for exercise discipline and R for results that must be accepted with prasada buddhi. It was a very enlightening talk, beautifully explained, giving a new perspective to all the devotees.
Talk on Self Leadership through Ganesha by Swami Swatmanandaji
3rd September (evening)
Swamiji gave an inspiring talk and conducted an excellent inter-active session at the residence of Shri Arup and Smt. Pooja Chauhan in Juhu. This talk was especially for children of age group ten to sixteen years. Swamiji discussed the qualities of Ganesha through stories and explained why we should strive to be like Him. Children and adults thoroughly enjoyed themselves and learnt many a lesson from this talk.
Talk on Goal-Setting through Ganesha
4th September (evening)
With the blessings of Pujya Gurudev, despite continuous, heavy downpours and flooding, Swamiji’s interactive session and talk took place successfully, at Shri Premal and Smt. Vaishali Sanghvi’s residence. More than fifty people, many youngsters, too, attended the talk. Swamiji played games, showed several thought-provoking videos and spoke inspiringly, on how to successfully set goals while invoking Lord Ganesha.
Talk on Does Ganesha Exist?
5th September (morning)
Swamiji visited the house of Shri Sanjay and Smt. Poonam Kapadia at Lokhandwala Complex. Along with chanting, he gave a talk on this very interesting topic. All present listened to this thought-provoking and stimulating talk, with full concentration.
Talk on Overcoming Obstacles – The Ganesha Way
5th September (evening)
Swamiji gave a talk at the house of Shri Ashok and Smt. Daksha Vyas. He mentioned how challenges and problems come free of cost. We must become tough within and overcome obstacles. He used the word OBSTACLE as an acronym and explained how various qualities must be invoked to empower our mind, as indicated by Ganesha.
Ganapati Visarjan
6th September (evening)
After puja and aarti at the centre, devotees proceeded with Ganesha to the Patel residence at Silver Beach, where Bala Vihar and Shishu Vihar children and sevikas joined in for visarjan. There was great and wonderful energy seen in children and adults alike. Another small idol of Ganapati was made out of chocolate. Children with the help of sevikas took part in the immersion of the chocolate Ganapati in a bucket of milk. Post visarjan, the children accompanied by adults distributed this chocolate milk amongst all the children present from the centre. This activity was inspired by Swamiji, so as to teach the bhavana of giving and sharing among children. On all five days of Ganeshotsava, the events took place with complete zeal, excitement and enthusiasm. All events were very well received, under Swamiji’s able guidance and mentorship. Many new people were reached. The celebrations were a unique blend of bhakti through invocations, chanting and rituals, as also enlightenment and empowerment through knowledge and words of wisdom, imparted by Swamiji. May Ganesha continue to inspire us all! Ganapati bappa morya, pudcha varshi lavkar ya!
