KARACHI, PAKISTAN, September 11, 2013 (by Amar Guriro, Daily Times): Hundreds of Marathi speaking Hindus from across Sindh, majority of them women and children attired in new clothes, covering their heads and carrying the Hindu God Ganesha, entered into the centuries-old Shiva temple located near Clifton beach to perform Ganesha Chaturthi.The pundit started reciting holy mantras in Sanskrit. After the prayers, the Raag Leela started during which the traditional singers started singing bhajan. The Raag Leela continued till early dawn. And in the morning the ceremony ended with recitation of Arti.
Ganesha Chaturthi festival is celebrated every year on the 4th day of the fortnight with moon in Bhadrapada (sixth month of the lunar calendar). A large number of Maratha Hindus are still living in Sindh, since it was part of Bombay Presidency. “Talking to Daily Times, Pramesh Jadiv said that it is the most important festival, especially for the Mararthi-speaking Hindus of Karachi. Even people from other cities come and celebrate the festival in Shiva temple. During the festival the Hindus perform special prayers, sing, dance and offer gifts to the God and the entire ceremony continues till the wee hours of morning. “On next day, we take Ganesha to the Arabian Sea and immerse it in the waters and thus the festival ends,” he said.