Bahrain Odia Samaj celebrated Ganesh Chaturthi in line with COVID-19 regulations at Founder, Dr. Arun Kumar Praharaj’s residence.
The limited number of devotees present were tested and had taken necessary precautions prior to entering the premises.
“The Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations this year, though modest were most enjoyable. We brought Lord Ganesha home from our usual idol vendor in Manama, the country’s capital.”
In light of the recent occurrence of a Ganesh idol being destroyed at a store, there were apprehensions around the Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations in the country. However, Bahrain’s inclusive temperament and immediate action by relevant authorities put all such feelings to rest.
Residents of Bahrain confirmed that prior to the COVID-19 outbreak, Indian and other communities celebrated all festivals with great fervour including the Ratha Yatra of Lord Jagannatha in Shree Nath Jee temple which was attended by more than 5000 devotees and several Bahraini guests. As the country battles a worldwide pandemic, these celebrations have continued in a limited scale without compromising with the health and COVID-19 safety guidelines.
Dr Praharaj said: “I have lived here for over twenty-three years and only ever witnessed love, peace and harmony. The rulers pride themselves on the religious freedom enjoyed by all communities. Any such experience is singular in nature and we are truly grateful to His Majesty (The King of Bahrain) and the ruling family for their inclusive and progressive beliefs.”
Bahrain is host to varied nationalities and religions who have co-existed with each other for centuries. “It is clear that the Bahrain model of religious freedom is the key to combating prejudices and discrimination whilst fighting the rise of global terrorism,” Dr. Praharaj added.
Indian Expats also noted that the mutual respect and love between Bahraini and Indian nationals is exemplary. “Bahrainis embrace diversity as a way of life and consistently reject extremism and sectarianism, thus making way for many more diverse rituals and practices,” said one such expat.
Bahrain Odia Samaj Executive members Subas Sahoo, Ramesh Panigrahi, Himanshu Taldi, Amiya Swain, Mrs Snehanjali Panigrahi and Mrs Sunita Praharaj made special efforts to observe the rituals despite the circumstances and keep our cultural values intact with the blessings of Lord Vigneshwara.
