Cardinal calls for harmony on Ganesh Chaturthi festival 

PANAJI, Goa (Indian Catholic News) — Catholic leaders in Goa extended Ganesh Chaturthi greetings to Hindus, calling for the removal of obstacles, growth in wisdom, profound respect for all, including Nature, and nurturing harmony within local communities. 

“I, along with Auxiliary Bishop Simião Fernandes and the entire Catholic faithful of this Archdiocese, extend our warmest and most joyful greetings to our Hindu brethren across Goa,” said Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão of Goa and Daman.  

Highlighting regional values, the cardinal noted that “these values have never been more vital” as the state possesses a “unique blend of natural beauty and communal harmony”.  

He urged residents to remain “united by the spirit of this Festival and a common concern for peace”.  

“Let us continue to actively collaborate in safeguarding human dignity, protecting the natural beauty and the ecological heritage of our land, and nurturing harmony within our local communities,” Cardinal Ferrão said. He concluded by wishing all celebrants “a happy and peaceful Ganesh Chaturthi!” 

Ganesh Chaturthi, a 10-day Hindu festival starting Sept. 14, marks the birth of Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed god of wisdom, prosperity, and good fortune. Celebrations end with Visarjan, a grand procession where idols are immersed in water, symbolizing Ganesha’s return home and the removal of devotees’ misfortunes. 

In Goa, the state’s largest festival—locally called Chovoth—features family reunions at ancestral homes and Sangod, traditional floating boat processions along village canals. 

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