A Telengana twist at Ganesha fest

More than 250 people gathered in a Girraween celebration of Ganeshotsav organised by the Australian Telengana Forum in end September. The elephantheaded pot-bellied god of good beginnings, the remover of obstacles, was felicitated by the Telugu community of Western Sydney at the event. They were joined also by a sizable number of mainstream Australians, in a wonderful spirit of multiculturalism.

Priest Phanindra Sharma performed a two-hour prayer ceremony as guests walked in and paid obeisance. Children received a pooja pen each from the priest, besides of course the special prasad on the occasion. A cultural program followed, the highlight being Taruni’s classical dance.

Earlier some twenty kids had participated in a clay Ganesh idol making activity, with prizes going out for the best creations.

The fun-loving Ganesha is one of the most loved among the pantheon of Hindu gods. His particular love of sweet laddoos makes the food item a must at this event, even considered auspicious. In a wonderful Telengana twist, the traditional ‘laddoo auction’ was performed at the Girraween celebration. Vani Elete organised the auction, which started modestly at $50 but soon crossed last year’s record of $350, and with much excitement and fanfare, ended up at $700, the victorious bidders being Abhilash Reddy and team, who broke into chants of “Jai bolo Ganesh maharaj ki jai!”

ATF President Upender Gadey ably led his executive committee team in organising the event. General Secretary Venkata Prasad Ragipani was pleased at having shared this ancient Indian tradition with local Australians.