Washington/Panjab Post
The Washington Ganesh Festival took place from September 12th to 15th, attracting over 50,000 attendees for a lively celebration of culture, devotion, and community. This year’s event, hosted in Redmond, showcased a stunning 15-foot tall idol of Lord Ganesha, affectionately named ‘Washington Raja.’
Organized by Beats of Washington (formerly Beats of Redmond), the festival marked a significant milestone in the Pacific Northwest. Attendees were treated to impressive décor crafted by Sagar and adorned with exquisite jewelry from India, courtesy of Nana Vedak. A highlight of the event was a captivating dhol-tasha performance featuring more than 150 local performers.Renowned singer Padmashree Kailash Kher and his band, Kailasa, kicked off the festival with an electrifying concert that set a festive tone for the four-day event. For the first time, Bellevue City and King County issued proclamations acknowledging the festival’s cultural importance.
Prominent figures in attendance included Chief Guest Prakash Guptaji, Consul General of India in Seattle, alongside local leaders such as Jared Nieuwenhuis (Bellevue City Council), Suresh Sharma (Consul/Head of Chancery), and Jimmy Matta (Burien City Council). The festival featured breathtaking performances from Beats of Washington, the largest dhol-tasha group in the USA, including a grand procession and specially choreographed routines.In a true spirit of sharing, over 12,000 laddoos and 1,000 fruits were distributed as prasad, while local vendors offered traditional snacks and handicrafts, enriching the festival experience.The Washington Ganesh Festival has emerged as a symbol of unity, bridging the Indian diaspora and the local community. With its vibrant cultural performances and strong turnout, this year’s event will be remembered as one of the largest and most successful Ganesh festivals in the USA.