Houston Maharashtra Mandal Hosts Grand Ganapati Festival with 1000+ Attendees
HOUSTON – The Houston Maharashtra Mandal (HMM) hosted its grand Ganapati festival this weekend at the Texas Safari Ranch in Houston, Texas, drawing over 1,000 attendees from the local Marathi-speaking community. The event, a key cultural celebration for the Mandal, was a vibrant display of devotion and tradition, centered around Lord Ganesha.
The festivities began with the installation of an intricately designed Ganapati idol, which was the focal point of the celebration. The event space was decorated with vibrant flower rangolis and garlands, creating an atmosphere of traditional Maharashtrian culture. Attendees, dressed in colorful sarees and kurtas, further enriched the cultural ambiance.
One of the highlights of the day was the collective recitation of the Atharvashirsha dedicated to Lord Ganesha. The devotional chants, performed in unison, created a deeply spiritual and serene atmosphere. This collective act of worship symbolized the community’s strong connection to its religious traditions.
The energy of the festival peaked during the lively Miravnuk procession, where the rhythmic beats of the traditional Dhol-Tasha drums filled the air. Local artists skillfully played these drums while zanz players synchronized their movements, creating an electrifying atmosphere. The procession, accompanied by the sound of zanz, drew loud cheers from the enthusiastic crowd.
The cultural program began with a joint welcome speech by President Mrs. Neetal Adkar and Vice President Mrs. Trupti Nag, who warmly greeted all HMM members and expressed gratitude to the sponsors. This was followed by a series of cultural performances that highlighted the richness of Marathi art and heritage. Attendees were treated to a diverse range of acts, including classical and folk dances, devotional songs, and skits.
The performances, featuring participants of all ages, made the event a truly intergenerational celebration. A much-anticipated element of the festival was the Mahaprasad dinner, As per tradition, this year’s menu also featured the beloved Ukadiche Modak (steamed rice dumplings filled with coconut and jaggery), which was a particular crowd favorite.
The day concluded with an evening aarti, a ritual prayer that marked the closing of the festival. The final visarjan miravnuk procession, accompanied once again by the beats of the Dhol-Tasha, was a fitting end to the celebrations.
Attendees left with a deep sense of fulfillment, grateful for the opportunity to come together and honor their cultural heritage. The HMM’s Ganapati festival continues to be a testament to the community’s enduring cultural ties and collective spirit. For further information contact President@