SANDAKAN – The Sri Sithi Vinayagar Temple in Sandakan, the sole Vinayagar temple in Sabah, drew some 400 devotees from various parts of the state to commemorate the ten-day Vinayagar Chaturthi festival, which concluded last night.
Vinayagar Chaturthi, also known as Ganesh Chaturthi, holds a special significance in the hearts of Hindu devotees throughout Malaysia, and Sabah is no exception.
Individuals from diverse backgrounds joined in a three-kilometre long grand procession of the Vinayagar deity, featuring a splendidly adorned idol of Lord Vinayagar placed atop a majestic chariot, pulled by devoted participants.
Ganesan Kumarasamy, the president of Sri Sithi Vinayagar Temple Sandakan, said the celebration transcends mere religious significance, as Ganesh Chaturthi has evolved into a cultural extravaganza that showcases Malaysia’s rich diversity and traditions.
“It fosters unity, community cohesion, and spirituality, while also serving as a reminder to seek blessings for new beginnings, wisdom to overcome obstacles, and the joy of life,” he told reporters yesterday evening.
Kumarasamy said he hoped that the annual Vinayagar Chaturthi festival in Sandakan would continue and requested that the Sabah state government allocate funds to make the celebration even grander in the coming years.
The revered festival, dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the deity symbolising wisdom, prosperity, and new beginnings, signifies a period of renewed hope and devotion.
Taking place in the Hindu month of Bhadrapada, usually spanning from August to September, the festival is celebrated with much fanfare.
At its core lies the belief in Lord Ganesha as the remover of obstacles and the harbinger of good fortune. Devotees seek His blessings during this festival to overcome challenges, attain success, and embark on new journeys with optimism.
The preparations for Ganesh Chaturthi were also a sight to behold.
Families and communities come together to craft clay idols of Lord Ganesha, ranging from small statues for homes to massive ones.
These idols are meticulously sculpted, and often adorned with intricate designs and details, and dressed in vibrant clothing, jewellery, and flowers.
The celebration also includes placing the idol on a decorated platform or altar, followed by a special ‘puja’ (worship) offering ‘modak’ or sweet dumplings believed to be Lord Ganesha’s favourite delicacy, as well as coconuts, fruits, flowers, and incense sticks to the deity.
A pivotal moment is the ‘prana-pratishtha,’ where a priest or family member invokes the divine spirit into the idol, bringing it to life.
Devotional songs, prayers, and aarti, which is a ritual of waving a lit lamp, accompanied the event. – September 20, 2023