Biggest Ganesh Utsav in USA.

“Ganpati Bappa Morya” echoed throughout Hindu Society Campus and though it's no Mumbai's Chowpatty Beach, the HSNC temple and Main Hall was the chosen scene for history in the making, as Ganesh Utsav was celebrated for the first time in the Research Triangle Park area.

The festivities lasted for twelve days and began by celebrating the birthday of Shri Ganesh, the Hindu god who is known as the remover of obstacles and the patron of good luck. The celebrations started on Wednesday, September 3, where devotees gathered for an evening of song, dance, and prayers − which was only the beginning! Over the next week and a half, HSNC was host to a variety of activities inspired by events that usually occur during Ganesh Festival throughout India, some of which included Dandiya Raas, a concert by Sargam music group, lectures by famous personalities, like ex-IAS officer Avinash Dharmadhikari, and musical concert by world renown celebrities like Padmavibhushan Ustad Amjad Ali Khan and his two sons Amaan and Ayaan and legendary Bollywood singer Suresh Wadkar.

With Lokmanya Tilak's objectives in mind RTP Ganesh Festival was conceptualized under HSNC umbrella to integrate Indian diaspora with main stream society in Triangle area. Integrity, brotherhood, and sisterhood, was the message that echoed through each and every activity. The entire committee of RTP Ganesh Festival from organizers to volunteers, attendees to performing artists implemented Tilak's vision. The grand celebration on Wednesday began with the Ganesh idol being taken in a procession from the temple to the Main Hall. Gulal filled the air as people exclaimed exuberant salutations to Shri Ganesh. As the idol was welcomed with Aarti in the Main Hall, people outside sang and danced with joy. The Pratishthapana Puja and Abhishek followed by Maha Prasad was the end of Day 1. Every morning and evening that followed until the grand finale of the event, there was a puja performed for the Ganesh idol. On Friday, hundreds got together despite the inclement weather for Dandiya Raas and on Saturday night the local musical group Sargam presents melodies of India − filling the main hall with songs from different regions of India.

Later that week, HSNC had several special guests, including Swamyji Sarvanand Saraswati who gave a lecture on the importance of Ganesh Utsav and the role and influence it plays in our daily lives. Mr. Avinish Dharmadhikari, an ex IAS officer, gave an interactive lecture on 'Clash of Civilization'. Mr. Swadesh Chaterjee spoke about 'Indo-US Civil Nuclear Deal' raising awareness as he educated the community.

The entertainment events kicked off with musical concert ZAGMAG's “Surmayee Shyaam.” by legendary Bollywood performer Suresh Wadkar. Sureshji enthralled the audience with his melodious voice. His 'Omkar Swaroopa' created a devine atmosphere and the concert went on his Hindi film hits from Border and Satya made the audience dance. This was followed by ZAGMAG's “Master of Sarod” Concert by Padmavibhushan Ustaad Amjad Ali Khan with his sons Amaan Ali Khan and Ayaan Ali Khan. Both these youngsters assured the audience that they had talent to carry forward the traditions of seven generations of mastering Sarod. Ustadji presented his own creation “Ganesh Kalyan” and then the trio played folk composition by Tagore 'Ekla Chalo Re'. Amman and Ayaan won hearts of audience with their performances. Ustadji himself was visibly pleased with their performance together after long time and said “They surprised me today”.

Series of sports events were conducted during the festival. Zagmag Cup Cricket was started and in the first league tournament 8 teams participated. Chess, Carom competitions also received enthusiastic response.

The culmination of the RTP Ganesh Utsav was the Visarjan held on September 14. Similar to how Visarjan of Ganesh idol is done in Chowpatty and Juhu beach in Mumbai, the immersion of Ganesh idol was done in Lake Crabtree. Special permission was granted to the organizers and for all you environmentalists out there − the idol made of clay is eco-friendly and becomes one with the Earth − similar to a circle of life − symbolizing a type of reincarnation. The final ceremonies were performed, and people all around sang, danced, and threw gulal on onlookers. “Ganpati Bapa Morya , Mangal Murti Morya” once again echoed as the festival was drawn to a close. There were lots of colors, high spirits, and something the Indian community in the RTP area had never witnessed. The cardinal aim for the organizers of the RTP Ganesh festival is one with the aim of Tilak and his supporters 115 years ago was to educate through entertainment. The community and organizers are already looking forward to Ganesh Utsav 2009 in line with the famous Ganeshji song “Agle Baras Aana Hai Aana Hi Hoga.”