On Saturday, June 18th 2012, the devotees of Shri Surya Narayan Mandir (New York) made their annual pilgrimage to Far Rockaway Beach to celebrate Ganga Dashmi with prayers and puja to the Mother Ganga. Although they cannot go to the Ganges, they assemble at 5 AM at Beach 19th Street, Far Rockaway for observances. This year was no exception, and puja was conducted by Shri Surya Narayan Mandir’s spiritual leader Pt. Ram Hardowar and assisted by Pandit Tulsie Bisesar. Pandit Ram explained the significance of Ganga Maa puja and how relevant it remains even in the present day. One of the highlight of the early morning was when devotees joined together to worship Surya Bhagwan as the Sun rose in the east.
Celebrating Ganga Dashmi early in the morning at the beach is a very serene experience and I would recommend that all devotees take advantage of this wonderful opportunity to worship Ganga Maa.
Words cannot describe the experience; it’s something that one must experience themselves to get the full impact. Here are a few pictures of this wonderful celebration. Hope to see you next year.
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