Over 35 thousand women recite Ganpati 'Atharvashirsha' prayers at Dagadusheth Halwai Ganapati Temple

Over 35,000 women congregated at the sacred Shrimant Dagadusheth Halwai Ganapati Temple during the ongoing Ganpati Mahotsav. This gathering, which took place on the second day of the Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations, was a spiritual spectacle as the temple premises resounded with holy chants.

These devout women came together to recite the Ganpati 'Atharvashirsha' prayers, a pivotal part of the Ganeshotsav festivities, organized by the Shreemant Dagadusheth Halwai Ganapati Temple trust. The occasion was none other than Rishi Panchami, which added an extra layer of significance to the event.

A unique feature of this gathering was the presence of a group of Russian nationals who had been graciously invited as guests to bear witness to this sacred prayer ceremony.


The event unfolded in the early morning hours, with women from various parts of the city adorning themselves in traditional attire and converging near the Pandal to partake in the traditional recital.

Ganesh Chaturthi, a 10-day festival that commenced on Tuesday, is an annual celebration marking the birth of Lord Ganesha. While many devotees choose to bring an idol of Lord Ganesha into their homes to perform rituals during this festival, large-scale community 'pujas' like the one at the Dagadusheth Halwai Ganapati Temple are organized across the nation.

The fervor and enthusiasm with which the festival is celebrated is truly remarkable, drawing thousands of devotees to temples and pandals to seek darshan of Lord Ganesha.

The grand culmination of the 10-day festival occurs when the idol is carried in a public procession, accompanied by music and collective chanting. Finally, it is immersed in a nearby body of water, such as a river or the sea, in a ritual known as 'visarjan,' which takes place on the auspicious day of Anant Chaturdashi.

Ganesh Chaturthi not only celebrates Lord Ganesha as the God of New Beginnings and the Remover of Obstacles but also as the embodiment of wisdom and intelligence. It is a time when devotees come together in a spirit of devotion and community, making it one of the most cherished festivals in the country.