Finding Home and Harmony in Glasgow: Ganesh Chaturthi 2024

Images from shobha yatra : Yodha Pathak

This year, I had the immense privilege of celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi 2024 in Glasgow, a city far removed from the vibrant streets of India where the festival traditionally flourishes. Despite the physical distance from home, I felt an overwhelming sense of connection to my roots, all thanks to the vibrant Indian community here and the local people who have embraced our customs with warmth and respect.

The highlight of my experience was joining the Shobha Yatra, a grand procession organized by the Glasgow Indians community and the energetic Yodha Pathak group. As I stood amid the procession, with the echoes of drums and chants of "Ganpati Bappa Morya!" filling the air, I couldn’t help but be swept away by the sheer joy and unity of the occasion. It was a day that felt like a slice of India transplanted right here in the heart of Scotland.

The festival, dedicated to Lord Ganesha, is a grand affair back home, celebrated with much fanfare. I always thought that moving abroad would mean losing touch with such traditions. However, walking alongside hundreds of people—both Indians and locals—who were equally immersed in the celebration, I realized that cultural boundaries are truly porous when there is a shared spirit of joy. Glasgow, with its cobbled streets and historical charm, stood in stark contrast to the chaotic bustle of Mumbai or Pune, but that didn’t matter. The love for our traditions and the unity within our community transcended geography.

The procession started with the traditional aarti, the rhythmic beats of the dhol and the resonant melody of the tasha resonating through the streets, transporting me straight to the streets of Maharashtra. What touched me most was the dedication of the Yodha Pathak. Their powerful performances, synchronized to perfection, were not just entertaining but a testament to how deeply the younger generation holds onto our shared culture, even while living abroad. It was a reminder of the strength of cultural identity, especially for those of us living outside India. What was particularly heartwarming was the support of the local Scottish community. The people of Glasgow, known for their welcoming nature, lined the streets to watch the procession, some even joining in the dancing and clapping along with the beats. Despite the anti-immigrant rallies and political disturbances we've seen in the UK recently, Glasgow has remained a city that truly embodies inclusivity. While immigrant communities around the world often face challenges, the love and acceptance I felt in Glasgow were undeniable. The festival became not just a celebration of Lord Ganesha, but a celebration of diversity and shared humanity.

As we carried the procession through the streets, people of all backgrounds paused to watch, smile, and take in the beauty of our traditions. The Glaswegians’ curiosity and eagerness to learn about our customs made me feel like we weren’t outsiders here at all. In fact, the city had made space for our culture, allowing it to flourish alongside its own. Even as headlines in other parts of the world screamed about division and hostility towards immigrants, here I felt the exact opposite—embraced and accepted for who we are.

This sense of belonging dulled the sharp pangs of homesickness that I usually feel during festivals. Of course, I missed home—the familiar faces of family, the aroma of modaks, and the familiarity of local customs. But here, amidst this thriving community and the support of local Scots, I missed it much less. There was comfort in the shared experience, in the laughter of friends who’ve become like family, and in the energy of a city that has been so welcoming to people from all over the world.

For anyone who has left their homeland, the fear of losing one's cultural identity is real. But standing in Glasgow, with Lord Ganesha towering above the crowd, I realized that our culture isn’t tied to a specific place. It travels with us, grows with us, and evolves as we do. In Glasgow, I found not just a home away from home, but a renewed sense of pride in being part of a community that stands together, celebrating our shared heritage with joy and resilience.

This Ganesh Chaturthi was special. It was not just a celebration of Lord Ganesha’s arrival, but also of the vibrant multiculturalism that Glasgow offers. It reminded me that no matter where we are, with the right community, traditions and a sense of belonging can be kept alive. And in doing so, the city of Glasgow became a little more like home.