Residents of Phoenix Quarters community performed ‘Ganesh Chaturthi’ festival in Dartford for all 9 days from 07th – 15th September 2024.

The event was full of energy, devotion and rituals with traditionally-dressed attires by the families. It was a grand delight given the Indian Community’s presence with the true spirit and traditions followed for the auspicious event. For the 5th year running, 2024 Ganesh festival was even bigger compared to previous years i.e. more people joining and performing daily pooja (morning & evening), divine bhajans & multiple activities in action for all 9 days.

Event was attended by the gracious presence of following esteemed dignitaries:

• Mr. Jim Dickson, Member of Parliament UK
• Cllr. Jeremy Kite – Leader Dartford Borough Council
• Cllr. Chris Shippam – Deputy Leader Dartford Borough Council
• Cllr. Kelly Grehan – Temple Hill
• Cllr. Tomas Oliver – Stone House
• Cllr. Richard Wells – Dartford Town

The children’s devotional performances & traditional ‘Lezim folk dance’ were notable highlights for the festival event. This was appreciated by the attendees & encouraged by all the dignitaries.

People were busy enjoying the event, taking videos, capturing photos & shouting/echoing Ganesh slogans – ‘Ganapati Bappa Morya, Mangal Murti Morya‘. Over 1000 were in attendance for the religious event including all 9 days with home-cooked food feast made by the resident families.

On the last day, festive offering of divine Laddu was auctioned/sold to Pratibha Ramana Cherukuri and a short procession with music & dance was carried out within the residents site followed by “Ganesh Idol Immersion” reported Phoenix Quarters resident volunteer Krishna Pavan Challa.