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**Anant Chaturdashi Marked with Ganesh Visarjan: Saint Premanand Maharaj Urges Respectful Farewell to Lord Ganesha**
**[City, State] – September 6, 2024** – Today marks Anant Chaturdashi, a day of great significance in the Hindu calendar, coinciding with the final day of Ganesh Visarjan. After ten days of devoted worship, devotees are bidding farewell to Lord Ganesha.
Renowned saint Premanand Maharaj of Vrindavan has issued a call for greater reverence and respect during the Ganesh Visarjan ceremony. He expressed concern over the common practice of simply discarding Ganesha idols into rivers, lakes, and ponds, which often results in the idols being left abandoned on the shores.
“You lovingly offer bhog (food), apply tilak (sacred mark), and worship the idol for days. How can it be right to then leave it in such a state?” Premanand Maharaj questioned during a recent discourse. He emphasized that the idol should never be disrespected.
He advocated for a more dignified approach to Visarjan. He advised devotees to create a small pond or tank at home for the immersion. Alternatively, if that’s not possible, he suggested digging a pit in the ground and performing the Visarjan there. This way, the idol will not be moved with heavy equipment.
The saint’s message underscores the importance of maintaining reverence for Lord Ganesha even during the farewell ceremony. He hopes to change practices to preserve the sanctity of the religious traditions.
First Piper 