Ganesh Chaturthi, the elephant-headed deity – Ganesha, is celebrated every year in Paris 18th arrondissement. In the menu: religious celebrations and very colorful parade. As it happens every year, Ganesha temple of Paris Sri Manicka Vinayakar Alayam holds Ganesh Chaturthi. This festival celebrates the birth of the God of New Beginnings, whose father beheaded him and replaced his head with an elephant’s. Ganesha is the son of deities Shiva and Parvati. Symbolizing love and knowledge, this elephant-headed deity is, for Hindus, at the origin of the world and many events in people’s life. His birthday is celebrated with a great parade in La Chapelle neighborhood. His statue walks the streets on a decorated float followed by his brother Murugan. Note that on his way, he brings his blessing. It’s around the Sri Manicka Vinayakar Alayam temple – the biggest Hindu temple in France – that Ganesha is celebrated yearly in Paris.

Throughout this festive day, religious ceremonies will take place before the procession in the streets of the neighborhood. Leading the procession, will parade pipers, nageshvaram players and drummers, dancers wearing on their shoulders the large arch of peacock feathers (kavadi) and on their heads clay pots with burning camphor. All along the route, coconuts will be broken: the shell symbolizing the illusion of the world, the flesh the individual karma and the water the human ego. By breaking the coconut, one offers his heart to Ganesha. The water of hundreds of coconuts will be poured on pavement when Ganesha float passes. Pulled by two 20-m long ropes made of plant fiber, the 5-m high float houses the statue of Ganesha the elephant-headed god. Entirely covered in red and white fabrics and decorated with numerous garlands and fresh flowers, entire bananas bunches, coconuts and areca palm leaves. The float is followed by singers and musicians. All along the route, blessed offerings, treats and fresh drinks were given away. 

Pulled by two 20-m long ropes made of plant fiber, the 5-m high float houses the statue of Ganesha the elephant-headed god. It will be entirely covered in red and white fabrics and decorated with numerous garlands and fresh flowers, entire bananas bunches, coconuts and areca palm leaves. The float will be followed by singers and musicians. All along the route, blessed offerings, treats and fresh drinks will be given away.