Source: www.laestrella.com.pa
PANAMA, September 6, 2009: A millennial celebration, full of color and traditions, is remembered every year by about three thousand Hindus living in Panama, who first came as nineteenth century immigrants.
This year was the first time the Hindu temple celebrated the Ganesh festival with a five foot tall clay statue that was brought from India. The statue, accompanied by two smaller images presided over the 11 days in the temple. Ganesh began his last journey on the shoulders of several devotees, singing praises. He was taken in procession followed by the rest of the community to the truck which carry Him to Veracruz beach.
On the beach, the image was placed on the seashore and, between songs and cheers, a brief ceremony was performed by Swami Bakulesh Vyas. Two boats were waiting in the water and a hundred yards offshore, Ganesh was immersed into the sea. On the beach, the women sang and danced in a final round of praise.