Each year, Hindu communities all over the world take part in Ganesh Chaturthi, a multi-day festival honoring Ganesha, celebrated deity and "remover of obstacles." In New York this extended period of rituals, prayers, song, dance, and food are hosted by the Ganesha temple in Flushing, Queens.
Already loved for the everyday dishes prepared in its basement kitchen, the temple is a particularly good place to observe modaka archana, where the sweet dumplings fabled to be Ganesha's favorite food are freshly prepared and offered to the deity. Trustee Mohan Ramaswamy of the Hindu Temple Society of North America explains the significant of this ceremony, which takes place on Ganesha's birthday.
Visit the Hindu Temple Society at 45-57 Bowne Street in Flushing, Queens.
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