Celebration of Ganesha Chaturthi
in Omkarananda Ashram Himalayas, on 9th September 2013

Thanks to the dedicated efforts of the Priests of Omkarananda Ashram Himalayas, under the guidance of Shri Sukumarji, Trustee, Ganesha Chaturthi was celebrated in a grand way, on 9th September 2013.

In Omkarananda Ashram Himalayas Lord Ganesha is present in the form of "OMKARA-MAHAGANAPATI", and He resides in His own small but beautiful Temple, near the entrance of Omkarananda-Shanta-Durga Mandir, the Headquarters of Omkarananda Ashram Himalayas.

The Omkara-Mahaganapati Mandir has been constructed in the typical South Indian way. Its lovely form and vibrant colours shine like a beautiful jewel, surrounded by natural greenery of bushes and trees.

For the auspicious occasion of Ganesha Chaturthi the Temple was decorated with a lot of fresh Mango-leaves from the nearby jungle, garlands of Marigold-flowers and shining lights.

In front of the Temple a temporary big Yajnashala and an Altar with Kalashas and Photos and Pictures of Gurudev Swami Omkarananda, Meenakshi Devi and Lord Ganeshji had been established.

An Altar with pictures of Gurudev and Lord Ganesha in front of Omkara-
Mahaganapati Temple, nicely decorated with Mango leaves and beautiful flowers.

Yajna by the Priests of Omkarananda-Kamakshi-Devi Mandir, Suresh, Sanjay and
Mukesh, along with Swami Vishveshwarananda and Kumari Somashekhari.

In the morning, after 9 AM, the Priests started elaborate Pujas and then a grand Hawana for Lord Ganesha, in form of Omkara-Mahaganapati, in which Swami Vishveshwarananda, Kumari Somashekhari, Swami Satchidananda and Shri Sukumarji also took part.

While Pujas and Hawana were in full swing, some devotees from an Ashram in Uttarkashi and also a Police-Officer Lady of a higher Rank, from Narendra Nagar, joined the Celebrations, along with some Police-Staff. The Police-Officer Lady was not in uniform, but wearing Sari, to honour the holy occasion.

Purnahuti by Kumari Somashekhari.

After Purnahuti, which was offered by Kumari Somashekhari, Abhisheka was performed for the Pranapratishtha Murti of Omkara-Mahaganapati, inside His Shrine.

Later on, after Alankara, a special Arati was performed and different types of Prasadam were offered to the Deity and then distributed to all devotees.

Prasad and ingredients for Abhisheka being blessed by Kumari Somashekhari.

Swami Satchidananda offering Arati to Omkara-Mahaganapati.

The special guests from Uttarkashi and also the Police-Officer Lady were very much impressed by the beauty and the holy atmosphere of Omkarananda Ashram Himalayas, and they enjoyed the brilliant Pujas, Hawana, Abhisheka and Arati for Lord Omkara-Mahaganapati so much, that they stayed till the end, though the whole Ceremony took several hours.

They all were expressing their heartfelt Thanks to Swami Vishveshwarananda Saraswati, President of Omkarananda Ashram Himalayas, that they could witness this wonderful event and receive much divine Blessings on the auspicious day of Ganesha Chaturthi.