A glimpse of Indian culture

A festival celebrated with great devotion and joy by Indians across the world is once again making its way to Nicosia and particularly to Dali. Sanskriti Cyprus will organise Ganeshotsav-2022 this September, a huge celebration of Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles.

Back in the homeland, the annual festival is a ten-day affair filled with singing, dancing and fireworks. It typically begins with the installation of huge elaborately crafted idols of Ganesha in homes and public places, which have been specially constructed and beautifully decorated. Then, for more than a week, colourful festivities take place to praise Ganesh Chaturthi. Towards the end of the festival, large parades happen with drumbeats, devotional singing, and dancing to carry idols to nearby rivers. Once there, they are immersed in the water, a tradition which symbolically marks Ganesha’s homeward journey to Mount Kailash – the home of his parents, Shiva and Parvati.

In Cyprus, the Indian community is organising a one-day festival on September 10 at the Dali amphitheatre which will include traditional ceremonies, rituals and performances. From 7pm onwards, guests will be able to witness the rich culture of India being presented in one of the biggest annual celebrations.

Ganeshotsav-2022

Indian festival celebrates Lord Ganesh with cultural performances, song and dance. September 10. Dali amphitheatre, Nicosia. Doors open at 6.30pm, performances at 7pm. €2. Registration at www.sanskriticyprus.com