The Indian community in Christchurch came together to celebrate Diwali last week organised by Sri Ganesha Temple at Waimairi Community Centre.
Despite not having a permanent temple space yet, Sri Ganesha Temple group has organised several community Pujas and celebrations at different community centres getting the people under one roof observing special pujas and Hindu festivals together.
The temple group holds monthly Puja, usually the second Saturday of the month that brings more than 200 devotees to the selected community venue and the numbers are increasing through time.
To observe and celebrate Diwali Puja, more than 50 people turned up at Waimairi Community Centre on Saturday, November 10 despite several community events and social gatherings conducted by different organisations the same day.
Men, women and children gathered at the venue from 6:30 p.m. at the venue clad in beautiful festive dresses, Puja samagri (items), fruits and sweets to share.
“We are glad to see the devotees coming in good numbers and bringing their friends and families to such events and making the puja and celebrations a big event. It's a people’s event and they have been our support,” one of the trustees and spokesperson from Sri Ganesh Temple Charitable Trust in Christchurch Sathiya Muralidaran told The Indian Weekender.
Sri Ganesha Temple is quite active on social media as well through which the events venues, special pujas and other news about its activities are spread to its devotees and further support the temple cause by attending the events and donating for the temple.
“We strongly believe it is not far away to reach our primary objective of having a permanent Sri Ganesha Temple in Christchurch with all our Devotees support and God's blessing,” Ms Muralidaran added.
The temple earlier in October organised Navaratri celebrations, Ganesh Chaturthi puja and other small and big festivals at different times of the year.
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