Ganesh Utsav was celebrated for 4 days from August 27th to 30th, 2006 in the Ashrama in keeping with the local tradition. Lord Ganesha being the destroyer of all obstacles was worshiped with shraddha and devotion praying Him to remove all hurdles in our endeavours. The programme consisted of daily special puja, offering amidst Vedic chanting and Bhajans. On the last day the image of Lord Ganesha was taken in a colorful procession around the Ashrama and was immersed in water towards the end. (Visarjana)
Sri Ramakrishna on Lord Ganesh:
“Everything can be realized simply through love of God. If one is able to love God, one does not lack anything. Kartika and Ganesa were seated near Bhagavati, who had a necklace of gems around Her neck. The Divine Mother said to them, ‘I will present this necklace to him who is the first to go around the universe.’ Thereupon Kartika, without losing a moment, set out on the peacock, his carrier. Ganesa, on the other hand, in a leisurely fashion went around the Divine Mother and prostrated himself before Her. He knew that She contained within Herself the entire universe. The Divine Mother was pleased with him and put the necklace around his neck. After a long while Kartika returned and found his brother seated there with the necklace on.”
