Ganapati Bappa Morya! Mountain House Marathi Shala recently hosted an unforgettable Ganesha Workshop, reflecting the vibrant celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi—a festival deeply rooted in Maharashtra’s rich cultural heritage. This event, held at Wicklund Gazebo on September 8th, was a witness to our community’s dedication to preserving and sharing our cultural traditions.
Ganesh Chaturthi, celebrated with great fervor across India, marks the birth of Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed god revered for his wisdom and ability to remove obstacles. This festival, usually observed in August or September, transcends religious boundaries to become a significant cultural event. The rituals, including elaborate Ganesh idols and colorful decorations, are representative of Maharashtra’s cultural richness. Invoking Ganesha’s name before starting any work is believed to ensure a smooth and successful outcome, a tradition that underscores his importance in facilitating new beginnings.
The MH Marathi Shala Ganesha Workshop, thoroughly planned over several weeks, was a remarkable showcase of teamwork and creativity. Our dedicated scholars, teachers, and volunteers worked diligently to bring this event to life. The day began at 8:30 am with volunteers setting up the venue, preparing canopies, arranging for snacks, and setting up the music system. Workshop activities commenced at 10:10 am, featuring three engaging sessions: Group 1 focused on creating a stunning 1-foot Ganesh statue,
Group 2 crafted beautiful paper and hibiscus flowers,
and Group 3 involved sticking pieces to form Ganesha and coloring activities for younger kids.
The workshop’s highlight was the children’s creativity and collaboration in making Ganesh idols and decorations. Following the workshop, kids decorated the backdrop and participated in an Aarti with their parents.
We were honored to have Dr. Swati as our guest speaker, who shared valuable insights on community health awareness. Updates were provided on Shala progress, the NPO status, and our new library’s book issuing process, introduced by our library leads, Sandeep and Amita. Social media lead Vaishali D. discussed our Ganesha contests, aimed at enhancing knowledge and engaging participants.
This workshop was more than just an event; it was a celebration of leadership, teamwork, and cultural bonding. We used eco-friendly materials to promote environmental awareness and teach children about history and tradition. Our heartfelt thanks to all the kids, parents, and volunteers who contributed to making this event a success. Special appreciation goes to our guest speaker, logistic lead, Shala teachers, spokesperson, administration lead, cultural lead, media and photography teams, social media and contest leads, music lead, fundraising lead, finance lead, decoration team, and all volunteers who worked tirelessly behind the scenes.
We look forward to continuing our journey of cultural celebration and community building. Thank you for your support and participation!
-Balasaheb