This year marked the 13th Ganeshotsav celebration at ISW, Shrewsbury, and it turned out to be a truly memorable occasion. The festivities opened with the grand Ganapati Aagman Miravnook (Lord Ganesha’s arrival procession), a vibrant and joyous tradition that set the tone for the day. A special highlight this year was the Dhol Tasha performance by children aged 6 to 12, who played with remarkable energy and confidence. For the first time in ISW’s history, the procession featured a Dhol Tasha presentation performed entirely by kids. Their spirited beats filled the air with excitement, and the audience responded with heartfelt applause, appreciating the dedication and enthusiasm of these young volunteers.Following the lively procession, the community came together for the Ganapati Puja and Arati rituals. The puja was led by six youth members — Atharv Deshpande, Surabhi Dindore, Arush Jagan, Pranjali Kanitkar, Sharvil Khamankar, Sharav Khare, - under the guidance of Pandit Shrikant Joshi. What made this ceremony especially meaningful was Shrikant ji’s thoughtful effort to explain each Sanskrit shloka in English, helping the youth not only recite but also understand the spiritual significance of each ritual.
Among the most anticipated moments of ISW Ganeshotsav was the Mega Arati, a tradition that always brings the community together in collective devotion. The entire hall echoed with voices singing in unison, accompanied by handheld percussion instruments. The atmosphere was charged with faith, joy, and boundless energy, making it one of the most cherished highlights of the day.The cultural segment added yet another layer of vibrancy to the celebration, showcasing the creativity and talents of community members. Enthusiastic volunteers presented a variety of art forms — from short skits and soulful music to lively dances — all offered with devotion to Bappa. This year’s theme, “Patterns in the Universe,” inspired a range of imaginative and thought-provoking performances. Children presented skits exploring mathematical and natural patterns, visual and musical rhythms, and even the fascinating balance between order and chaos. Dance sequences celebrated the changing seasons, while songs beautifully reflected the theme’s deeper symbolism. With over 40 performers on stage, the cultural showcase was a wonderful blend of tradition, artistry, and heartfelt devotion.
The event drew to a powerful close with the Ganapati Visarjan Miravnook (immersion procession), an emotional yet joyous farewell to Bappa. Children, adults, and senior citizens all joined together, dancing with boundless enthusiasm to the electrifying beats of Dhol, Tasha, and Lezim, performed by ISW Symphony.
The procession featured a vibrant mix of rhythms — from Nagpur Dhol and Garba patterns to Bhangra beats — filling the premises with energy, unity, and a spirit of celebration. A particularly meaningful moment was the immersion of the eco-friendly clay idol, symbolizing the life cycle where what comes from nature ultimately returns to nature.After the energetic procession, everyone enjoyed a delicious Maharashtrian dinner catered by Bombay Brunch, featuring festive favorites like Moong Usal, Aloo-Flower Rassa, Poori, Shrikhand, Masale Bhat, and more. This hearty meal not only satisfied the taste buds but also brought families together in the spirit of community and tradition.The celebrations concluded around 7 PM with the immersion of Ganapati Bappa, leaving everyone with hearts full of devotion, joy, and cherished memories that will be carried forward until next year’s celebration.
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