First Ganesh Festival in mainland Europe

Ashwin Shuddha Pratipada

Click Here to see Photos of Ganesh Festival

By Dr Raj Pandit Sharma

The Hague, Netherlands hosted the momentous Ganesh Chaturthi Mahotsav (festival) celebrated for the first time ever in mainland Europe. Though the appearance day of Lord Ganesh (Ganesh Chaturthi), representing that aspect of the Almighty dispelling obstacles and granting wisdom regardless of creed, colour, gender or ethnicity is a recognised anniversary in the Hindu calendar, it was Lokmanya Tilak who in 1893 defied all restrictions under British rule and made the event a public celebration in India. Beginning in the state of Maharashtra it soon dissipated throughout the nation and has become an annual occasion whereby diverse sections of the community unite in the common cause of universal fraternity.

In 2004, the Hindu Culture & Heritage Society UK under the leadership of Mr Brij Mohan Gupta pioneered the Ganesh Festival in the UK, which has now become an annual celebration in London epitomising the Vedic precept of "unity in diversity." Mr Gupta wishing to expand this concept of world peace and unity further then set about the phenomenal task of orchestrating the Ganesh festival for the first time in mainland Europe. Through several months of planning, establishing links and working in close collaboration with the Hindus and other communities in Holland, including frequent visits to the Netherlands, coordinating the transportation of the Ganesh Murti (deity) from India, the plan then materialised.

The three day event from 29th -31st August 2008 was a great success, beyond all expectations creating a unique chapter in the history of the Netherlands. The Vedic ethos of world peace and harmony was not only theorised but physically implemented during the festival by involving the participation of numerous local and international faith and cultural organisations. On the first day, the Shri Krishna Mandir in The Hague hosted the traditional Pran Pratishtha ceremony conducted by Dr Raj Pandit Sharma, President of the Hindu Priest Association UK, whereby the spirit of Lord Ganesh was invoked in the enchanting Murti specially imported from India made of clay, vegetable and environmentally friendly dyes.

Despite common misconceptions, the whole basis of murti worship is the relationship between the mind and the cosmic mind. What is needed is a bridge between the two, and that bridge can be made. The murti is an attempt to create that bridge. Only something which is manifest, like the form of a murti, can become the bridge because it is not possible for one to establish a direct link with the formless. The concept of a murti being a ‘bridge’ and not an ‘idol’ is corroborated through the term ‘pratima.’

One cannot equate the word ‘murti’ or ‘pratima’ with "idol" and etymologically the word pratima alludes to the Sanskrit "prati"-near + "mA"-to bring/lead. Therefore the interpretation that the pratima is a bridge to bring one nearer to the unmanifest is quite pertinent and the Ganesh Murti becomes this physical manifestation embodying all our benevolent thoughts and prayers. The submersion of the Murti in water at the end of the prayers corroborates this ethos that once the link with the Supreme Being has been established, one transcends the physical medium (Murti) which then becomes obsolete.

During the service, prayers, bhajans (hymns) and rituals including Ganapati Homam were conducted for world peace and solidarity attended by Ambassadors of Peace of the Universal Peace Federation.

Day two celebrated our rich Hindu culture and heritage with performances from very gifted artistes including a mesmerising rendition of Orissa Nritya (classical dance) by three Dutch Hindu youths. The congregation was addressed by representatives from various local and international organisations including dignitaries, Dutch MP Rabin Baldewsingh, Chaudhury Kadam Singh of the BJP India and Revd. Derek Barnes of the Church of England. Throughout the three day festival sumptuous prasadam (sanctified food and beverages) were lovingly prepared and distributed to all attendees by several volunteers from the local Hindu community including members of The Hague and Amsterdam Shri Guru Ravidas Sabha who also financially supported the project and for next year’s celebrations, have pledged to sponsor the preparation and distribution of all prasadam for the entire three day event.

Painstaking and meticulous coordination by members of Hindu Culture & Heritage Society (Europe) including Chairperson Mrs Saroj Lakhi and her husband Mr Ram Lakhi (who financially underwrote the festival), Shri Ramavatar, Ms. Urmila Kishoendajal and countless other volunteers ensured the smooth running of the whole event.

On the final day, the Purnahuti Havan at the Krishna Mandir concluded the prayers and then the Ganesh deity was gracefully transferred to a highly decorated float and taken to the monumental Peace Palace in the centre of The Hague where hundreds of devotees and well-wishers had congregated to escort the Murti of Ganesh ji by foot, which was then to be submersed in the sea. The colourful and spectacular Shobha Yatra (procession) ensued amidst joyful singing and cheers of "Ganapati Bappa Moriya!" praising Shri Ganesh along the main thoroughfare all the way to Scheveningen, some four kilometres away. Special concession had been obtained from the Mayor’s office and a Police escort had been provided to ensure that vehicular traffic stopped to allow the procession to continue without hindrance. Native onlookers of The Hague were delighted and bedazzled by the Shobha Yatra, cheering and applauding the convoy along, taking many photographs of the unique sight.

Once the procession reached the harbour at Scheveningen the ecstatic devotees boarded a boat along with the Ganesh Murti and went out to sea. There, the final Aarti, prayers and visarjan ceremony were performed and with great emotion, the physical embodiment of all that represents Lord Ganesh was immersed into the North Sea. As if blessing all devotees, the flower garland which had bedecked Ganesh ji miraculously formed the shape of ‘OM’ when the Murti had been submerged into the water. This was even encapsulated in the footage taken by Zee TV and other media channels that were present throughout the festivities.

As a Priest and friend of Brij Mohan Gupta having known him for over two decades, I trust and pray that Shri Ganesh ji grants him success and well-being, thereby enabling Mr BM Gupta to continue fulfilling his benevolent and determined endeavours to convey the unique beauty of Vedic Dharma worldwide with such vivacity.

At a time when the world is being torn apart by radicalism and terrorism the Ganesh Festival demonstrates the universally applicable, eternal and non-confrontational message of Sanatan Dharma; fraternity, mutual respect and cohesion without sacrificing diversity.

Dr Raj Pandit Sharma
Executive Member – Hindu Ceremonies
Hindu Council UK