About the Event

After a successful Ganeshotsav-2020, Sanskriti Cyprus is proud to present Ganeshotsav-2021. We would like to invite you to join us in welcoming Lord Ganesha to Cyprus on Saturday, September 11th 2021. Lord Ganesha is known as the Vighnaharta (remover of obstacles). This year we will celebrate Ganeshotsav-2021 while celebrating 75 years of India’s Independence. This year promises to be a bigger event with more performances and more fun.

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 G

anesh 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 amphitheater in Dali, Cyprus. The amphitheater was built in 2015 and offers a scenic backdrop with the latest infrastructure and facilities.