The Hindu community in Christchurch, New Zealand, observed the three harvest festivals of Hindu New Year, Vishu and Lhochhar Pooja at the Ganesha Temple in Bishopdale on April 14, 2023. More than 100 people attended the event, which began with ‘abhishekam’ followed by ‘arti’, ‘bhajans’ and devotional songs.
India celebrates various harvest festivals in different states that are also observed by Indians worldwide. Hindu New Year, also known as Vikram Samvat, is a significant festival celebrated by millions of Hindus around the world. This festival is rooted in ancient Hindu mythology and is considered an auspicious time for new beginnings and launching new ventures.
Vishu, celebrated in Kerala is marked by family time, preparing colourful auspicious items and viewing them as the first thing on Vishu day. Lhochhar Pooja is a festival celebrated by the Buddhist communities in the Indian state of Sikkim, as well as in parts of Nepal and Bhutan. Lhochhar marks New Year in this community and is celebrated with great joy and enthusiasm.
These traditional festivals are great celebrations and help communities come together to welcome New Year and get blessings from lord Ganehsa on that auspicious day. Pandit Rijal conducted the pooja and ‘abhishegam’. All the devotees got an opportunity to offer ‘milk abhishgam’ on the special day.
The event was attended by people of all ages and from different backgrounds, with many wearing traditional clothing that made the atmosphere more joyful and celebratory.
‘Annadhanam’, or free vegetarian meal, was made available to all the devotees after the pooja.
The Bishopdale premises of the temple is a temporary one as the Sri Ganesha Temple Christchurch Trust is raising funds to purchase a piece of land and build a temple.
The trust is requesting the community to come forward and support the endeavour and help make a beautiful Ganesh temple a reality. It has been a dream project for them since 2018. As a result of five years of hard work, the first step was achieved in 2022 with a permanent place for deities.
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