F-M Hindus commemorate puja
Sherri Richards, The Forum
Published Sunday, September 16, 2007
Fargo-Moorhead’s Indian community celebrated a beloved Hindu god Saturday with mantras, flower petals and a vegetarian feast.
For seven years, Jitendra and Tanmayi Vaidya have invited local families from India into their south Fargo home for the spiritual celebration.
They expected 170 people for Saturday’s puja, or ritual.
In the nearly empty family room, women in brightly colored saris and men in tunics kneeled on sheets covering the carpet. In front of them is a decorative altar, with an idol of the elephant-faced Ganesha inside. The statue is surrounded by red roses and sits on a bed of rice. Blinking strings of lights surround the altar. Flowers, fruit and Ganesha’s favorite food lay in front.
Ganesha, one of the main Hindu deities, is revered by all Hindus. He is known by 108 different names.
Two women prepare portions of food to be used in the puja Saturday at the Fargo home of Jitendra and Tanmayi Vaidya, seated to the left center, where more than 100 of Fargo-Moorhead's Indian community celebrated a Hindu god, Ganesha. Dave Wallis / The Forum
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The puja commemorates when Ganesha – considered the lord of wisdom, success and remover of obstacles – went to war against evil, Jitendra Vaidya said.
On the 10th day, Ganesha won, took off his warrior dress and immersed himself in water. In the same manner, the Vaidyas will take a small, clay idol and put it in water, where it will dissolve.
Jitendra Vaidya said the festival used to be a private function, but became a community ritual when British leaders ruled India.
Today, the communal aspect of the celebration is significant for local Indians.
“We are 1,400, 1,500 miles away from home,” Jitendra Vaidya said. “This helps remind us of our culture.”
Gurmukh Advani of West Fargo describes the puja as a bridge connecting Indians within the community.
If America is a melting pot, India is a mosaic of cultures, he said. This event is a common thread that brings those cultures together.
Nikhil Deshpande attended the puja at the Vaidyas’ home, shortly after moving to Fargo a year ago. He met many people there.
Like others, the cultural significance of the puja takes precedence.
“It’s a chance to be reminded of your roots,” Deshpande said. “It’s a great opportunity for your kids to see your culture.
“We know all this from India,” he added. “Our kids know it because they see it here.”
Readers can reach Forum reporter Sherri Richards at (701) 241-5525
