Ganesh Chaturthi 2023 Celebrations at Sri Aurobindo Group of Institutes

Ganesh Chaturthi, one of the most revered festivals in India, marks the birth of Lord Ganesha, the deity who is the remover of obstacles and the harbinger of new beginnings.

The Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations at the Sri Aurobindo Group of Institutes were not just about rituals and traditions; they were a reflection of the institute's ethos of unity, cultural appreciation, and holistic development. 

On 19th September, 2023, Sri Aurobindo Group of Institutes, under the diligent management of all its faculty members, came alive with the spirit of this festival.

A Grand Commencement

The event, held opposite to the SAIT ground, commenced at 10:00 AM and spanned a duration of two hours. The venue was abuzz with the energy of more than 600 students, and nearly  teaching and non-teaching staff, all gathered to pay homage to Lord Ganesha.

The event was meticulously coordinated by Ms. Sonam Chaturvedi, Ms. Seemu Singh, Mrs. Neha Upadhyay, and Mrs. Namrata Kushwaha, whose efforts ensured a seamless flow of activities.

The primary objective of this celebration was not just religious observance but also to instill a sense of cultural appreciation among the students.

It aimed to motivate them to actively participate in the rituals and festivities, understanding the essence of the traditions they stem from.

Welcoming the Divine

The proceedings began with a grand welcome for the deity. Students and staff members from all institutes under the Aurobindo Group umbrella were invited for the worship. 

The honor of performing the inaugural pooja was bestowed upon Mrs. Chani Trivedi, Mr. Kinshuk Trivedi, Dr. S.C. Chaturvedi, Dr. Gaurva Kant Saraogi, and Mr. Sunil Dwivedi. Under the guidance of a learned pandit, they invoked the blessings of Lord Ganesha, setting a devout tone for the days to follow.

For the next ten days, the idol of Lord Ganesha became a central figure at the campus, bestowing his benevolent gaze upon all.

Every morning, precisely at 9:45 AM, the air would resonate with the sounds of 'Aarti', a devotional hymn sung in praise of the deity. This daily ritual saw enthusiastic participation from the institute community, each member eager to start their day with the lord's blessings. 

A Melting Pot of Cultures

India is a land of diverse cultures, traditions and festivals. For students coming from various parts of the country, the Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations provided a platform to understand and appreciate a festival that might not be native to their region.

It was heartening to see students from different cultural backgrounds come together, participate, and immerse themselves in the festivities. This intermingling not only enriched the celebrations but also fostered a sense of unity and mutual respect among the students.

A Tapestry of Decorative Themes

One of the unique aspects of this celebration was the decoration of the deity's altar. Each day, a different group took charge of this task, bringing in their creativity and thematic interpretations.
Here's a brief breakdown:

• Day 1: Faculty members
• Day 2: SAIP Students
• Day 3: SAIT Students
• Day 4: Management Students
• Day 5: Arena Students
• Day 6: All Students
• Day 7: SAIT Students
• Day 8: SAIP Students
• Day 9: Management Students
• Day 10: Administrative Department

While faculty members had the honor on the first day, students from various departments and institutes under the Aurobindo Group banner showcased their decorative skills on subsequent days. The administrative department, too, had its day under the sun, ensuring that the altar on the tenth day was as grand as the first.

A Message of Sustainability

In today's times, when environmental concerns are paramount, the institute ensured that the celebrations were eco-friendly.

The idol of Lord Ganesha was made of biodegradable materials, and the immersion was conducted in an environmentally conscious manner.

This sent out a strong message to the students about the important of sustainability and the need to balance traditions with environmental responsibility.

Concluding with a Grand Farewell

The culmination of the ten-day celebration was the 'Visarjan' or the immersion ceremony held on 28th September 2023. This ritual signifies the return of Lord Ganesha to his heavenly abode, taking along with him the misfortunes of his devotees.

The atmosphere was electric, with students and staff dancing to devotional tunes, their spirits high and hearts full of gratitude.

In conclusion, the Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations at the Sri Aurobindo Group of Institues were a microcosm of what the institute stands for: the academic excellence, cultural appreciation, holistic development, and a sense of community.

As the institute marches ahead, events like these will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping its character and ethos.

Here's looking forward to more such celebrations that bring institute's community closer and pave the way for a brighter, harmonious future.