Submitted photo
Sharvari Kolhatkar helps with decorations recently for the 2024 Ganesh Festival celebration at The Commons continuing this weekend.
A matter of the heart.
Sharvari Kolhatkar feels that Omkar 2024: The 20th Annual Ganesh Festival — the event that honors the Hindu elephant-headed god of wisdom and prosperity — puts sentiment in the spotlight as much as anything.
Because she especially knows, as one who moved here in 2012 from the sister city of Pune, India, that that country’s native residents who have migrated to south central Indiana can miss home and culture. And the free festival that is expected to attract 800 to 1,000 people just today alone at The Commons in downtown Columbus, brings those elements into sharp focus with colorful dance, music, food and more during its cultural program.
“Often, when people come here, they’re missing elements of home and memories of their childhood,” said Kolhatkar, president of the Columbus Ganesh Utsav Mandal that organizes the events open to all regardless of background, beliefs or culture. “And it’s always good when they can find what they’re missing right here in Indiana.”
The event, which began earlier this week and runs through Sunday, includes everything from friendly competitions for youngsters to prayer to food to entertainment. A lively closing procession from The Commons to Mill Race Park is expected to include 400 people moving to the rhythm of drums and songs.
The procession involves carrying the festival’s Ganesh idols to a body of water, where they are then immersed.
The overall gathering includes some members of the Hindu Society of Southern Indiana and the Indian Association of Columbus. Organizers say there are more than 500 Hindu families totaling about 2,000 people now living in Bartholomew County. The number rises even higher this time of year with Hindu relatives visiting from India.
Kolhatkar mentioned that about 15%t of the crowds at the festival each year are newcomers to the celebration and spirituality.
Former Columbus residents Mandar Deo and his wife, Rajashree, launched the local festival in 2005.
Community leaders have said more than once that local residents’ increased awareness of Hindu traditions and general Indian culture translates to understanding and a more welcoming, harmonious community. Companies such as Cummins Inc. and local agencies such as the Heritage Fund — The Community Foundation of Bartholomew County have worked to make the area more welcoming to all groups of various backgrounds.
Ganesh festivals began in the 1890s, when India was a British colony. While England squelched political expression, it allowed Hindus to celebrate their religious beliefs openly, and they used those gatherings to unite people from various backgrounds and beliefs.
As Hindus migrated to other parts of the globe, they brought their celebration with them.
For the weekend schedule
Visit the Facebook page for Columbus Ganesh Mandal or the website columbusganesh.com.
