About the Event

Sanskriti Cyprus invites you to be part of the biggest Indian celebrations in the Island of Cyprus. GANESHOTSAV!. After 3 successful years, we are delighted to bring the 4th Ganeshotsav celebrations. This year we bring the festival to the beautiful and wonderful city of Limassol.

We would like to invite you to join us in welcoming Lord Ganesha to Cyprus on Saturday, September 30th 2023. 

The last 3 years have been nothing but mesmerizing. 2022 was the icing on the cake and 2023 promises to take it up a level further. So make sure you block your calendars and register.

What is Ganesh Chaturthi?

Ganesh Chaturthi, also called Vinayaka Chavithi, is an auspicious Hindu festival which is celebrated for 10 days every year. It marks the birthday of the beloved elephant-headed Lord Ganesha. Ganesha is known as the God of wealth, sciences, knowledge, wisdom and prosperity, and that’s why people remember him and seek his blessings before starting any important work. Lord Ganesh is known by 108 different names like Gajanana, Vinayaka, Vighnaharta among others.

This festival is celebrated with great devotion and joy by Indians across the world. In India, it is celebrated by all communities with equal fervor. The festival begins with the installation of huge elaborately crafted idols of Ganesha in homes and podiums, which have been specially constructed and beautifully decorated. The 10 day celebrations include worshiping the lord, singing,dancing to drum beats and by lighting up fireworks– all of which add to the festive mood.

At the conclusion of the festival, the idols are carried to local rivers in huge processions accompanied by drumbeats, devotional singing, and dancing. There they are immersed, a ritual symbolizing Ganesha’s homeward journey to Mount Kailash—the abode of his parents, Shiva and Parvati.

A brief history

Historically, the festival has been celebrated since the time of Chatrapathi (King) Shivaji. It was during India’s freedom struggle that Lokmanya Tilak ( Teacher and an Indian Independence activist) changed Ganesh Chaturthi from a private celebration to a grand public festival where people from all castes of the society can come together, pray and be united. Over the years with growing environmental awareness, people have started celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi in an environmentally friendly way. This includes– getting Ganesha idols made of natural clay and using only flowers and natural items for decorating the pandals (marquee). Over the years with growing environmental awareness, people have started celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi in an environmentally friendly way.

Significance of Ganesh Chaturthi

It is believed that devotees who pray to Ganesha are able to fulfill their wishes and desires. So, the main essence of Ganesh Chaturthi is that devotees who pray to him are set free of sins and it leads them on the path of knowledge and wisdom.

The Venue

The event will be held at the beautiful Municipal Amphitheater in Limassol, Cyprus.  The theatre is located right in the heart of the city’s Municipal Garden and has a capacity of 1800 people, while performances and concerts of all types are held throughout the entire summer period.