Patiala:- The festival was celebrated on a much larger scale earlier, but its observance has considerably declined over the past few years. Shri Ganesh Utsav is being celebrated from September 14 to 25 with the support of Sudhar Sabha Shri Kedarnath (Regd.) and devotees. On the 10th day of the installation of Lord Ganesha, Vaman Dwadashi and Vaman Jayanti were celebrated with great fervour, and Pandit Anil Sharma shed light on the Vaman incarnation. Lord Vaman, measuring 52 anguls, was born to Maharishi Kashyap and Mata Aditi. When the demon king Mahabali gained control over heaven, Lord Vishnu assumed the Vaman incarnation on the Dwadashi Tithi of the Shukla Paksha of the month of Bhadrapada to protect the gods.
Since his form was like a small Brahmin boy, only 52 anguls in height, in a dwarf form, he is also commonly referred to as ‘52 Bhagwan’ (Bavan Bhagwan). Lord Vaman appeared at 12:00 noon on Bhadrapada Shukla Paksha Dwadashi, under the Shravan Nakshatra and during Abhijit Muhurat. He went to King Bali in the form of a supplicant and asked for three paces of land. With one step, the Lord measured the sky, and with the second, he measured the entire earth. Then the Lord asked King Bali, “Where should I place the third step?” King Bali said, “Maharaj, place the third step on my head.”
Lord Vaman was highly pleased with King Bali’s charity and devotion and made him the king of Mahakal Lok.
Bhajans dedicated to Lord Ganesha and Vaman, the fifth incarnation of Lord Vishnu, were sung by the Shiva Mandali, and devotees danced joyfully to the devotional songs. On the occasion, the Hasija family served langar. A festive atmosphere prevailed at the temple. Besides the langar, the Hasija family also set up stalls serving golgappas, jalebis and other items. All members of Sudha Sabha wholeheartedly rendered the service of preparing and serving the langar.
The role of King Bali was played by Balwinder, son of Puran, the treasurer, while Pinky played the role of Bavan Bhagwan. The immersion of Lord Ganesha will be carried out in the form of a procession on September 25, 2026. An uninterrupted langar of kadhi-rice and laddoos will be served near the huge idol of Lord Shiva and in the temple premises. All devotees are requested to come in large numbers, receive the blessings of Lord Ganesha and partake of the prasad.
