Ganesh Chaturthi is one of the most important festivals of Goa’s Hindu community, and this year, it is on Tuesday, September 19, 2023.
The Governor of Goa as well as the Archbishop of Goa and Daman have greeted the people of Goa on the festive occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi.
Their greetings are as follows:
GREETINGS FROM THE GOVERNOR OF GOA
Governor of Goa, PS Sreedharan Pillai, has extended his greetings to the people of Goa on the festive occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi.
In his message, the Governor stated, “Ganesh Chaturthi is one of the most important festivals widely celebrated with great enthusiasm, fervour and joy in our country. Lord Ganesha occupies a special place in the pantheon of Gods. Lord Ganesha is considered to be a Vighnaharta and Mangalmurti, who is the remover of all obstacles, the one to be prayed to before beginning anything.”
“Ganesh Chaturthi is the biggest festival of Goa and it is celebrated lavishly. On the festive occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi, all the family members reunite, prepare delicious varieties of sweets, ‘Matoli’ above the statue of Lord Ganesha with all seasonal fruits, etc. It is indeed a great opportunity for everyone to be a part of this unique celebration that strengthens amity, social harmony and mutual understanding,” he continued.
“This festival epitomises the unity and spiritual harmony of Goa. On this auspicious occasion, may Lord Ganesh bestow his grace on every household and bless one and all with abundant wisdom, success, happiness and prosperity,” the Governor added.
GREETINGS FROM THE ARCHBISHOP OF GOA AND DAMAN
His eminence Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão has extended his greetings to the people of Goa on the festive occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi.
In his message, the Cardinal stated, “As our Hindu brethren celebrate the traditional festival of Ganesh Chaturthi, with great religious fervour, devotion and joy, I would like to convey, along with the Catholic faithful of this Archdiocese, peaceful greetings to every member of the Hindu community in this State. This auspicious festival calls for the removal of obstacles, growth in wisdom and promotion of unity, creating thereby a serene environment for enjoying togetherness, sharing happiness and promoting cultural integrity.”
“Recalling the words uttered by Pope Francis at the World Meeting on Human Fraternity in June 2023: 'The heavens above invite us to walk together, to rediscover each other as brothers and sisters and to believe in fraternity as the foundation of our pilgrimage.' I earnestly wish that this festival be an occasion for us to strengthen and renew our fraternal commitment to build an integrated nation where every citizen is valued, respected and provided equal opportunities to seek his or her true good. I wish our Hindu brethren a joyous Ganesh Chaturthi and invoke God’s blessings upon them,” the Cardinal added.
