“Ganpati Bappa Morya – Bay Area’s Grand Ganesh Festival” drew an estimated 25,000-plus visitors and devotees to Bishop Ranch and City Center in San Ramon on Saturday, September 19.
According to a press release, the festival was held under the theme “EAST BAY KA RAJA” and featured a 12-foot Ganesha installation, darshan, devotional programs, cultural performances, food, shopping, children’s activities, and evening celebrations.
A Day of Darshan and Devotion
The festival opened with the Sacred Beginning and Ganesha Pratishthapana at 12:30 p.m. Darshan continued throughout the day, with a steady stream of families and visitors arriving to seek the blessings of East Bay Ka Raja.
Thousands took part in the festival’s devotional programs and Aartis, including the Dhoop Aarti, Special Flower Archana, and Sahasra Aarti.
The evening program included the Sahasra Aarti, followed by the Grand Dhol Tasha celebration, Pallaki Seva Procession, and traditional Ganesh Visarjan. Spartans Grand Dhol Tasha performed during the celebrations as thousands of devotees joined the procession.
Culture, Food, and Family Activities
Families spent the day at the festival also enjoying Indian food, shopping, cultural performances, children’s activities, arts and crafts, competitions, and entertainment…