Quick Read / Key Highlights:
- Devotees thronged Moti Dungri Ganesh Temple and other Ganesh shrines across Jaipur on Ganesh Chaturthi
- In Amer, elephant owner Bunty performed a special puja for his elephant Veeru
- Tilak was applied and a garland placed on Veeru, with a swastik drawn on his forehead
- Local tradition treats the elephant as a living form of Lord Ganesh during the festival
- Onlookers and visitors showed visible enthusiasm watching Veeru's puja
Festive Devotion Sweeps Jaipur on Ganesh Chaturthi
Jaipur wore a festive, devotional look on Monday as Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations peaked across the city. Large crowds of devotees gathered at Moti Dungri Ganesh Temple and other Ganesh shrines from early morning, offering prayers to Lord Ganesh and seeking his blessings for prosperity and the removal of obstacles. Amid this citywide celebration, a heartwarming and unusual scene emerged from the tourist town of Amer, where the elephant deity was honoured in a distinctive way.
A Special Puja for Elephant Veeru in Amer
In Amer, known for its elephant rides, elephant owner Bunty performed a special Ganesh Chaturthi puja for his elephant, Veeru. As part of the ritual, a tilak was applied to Veeru's forehead and a flower garland was placed around his neck. Adding to the significance of the occasion, a sacred swastik symbol was also drawn on the elephant's forehead.
Worshipped as a Living Form of Ganesh
According to Bunty, Veeru was worshipped with complete devotion on Ganesh Chaturthi, regarding him as a living embodiment of Lord Ganesh himself. This is more than a ritual gesture — it reflects the deep faith and reverence Amer's elephant owners hold for their animals. The tradition of associating elephants with the elephant-headed deity holds a special place in Rajasthan's cultural and festive practices.
Onlookers Share in the Celebration
The special puja drew visible enthusiasm from local residents and tourists present at the scene. Many paused to take photographs of Veeru, adorned with tilak and garland. Amer, globally recognised for its heritage forts and elephant rides, became witness to a unique blend of faith and tradition on this Ganesh Chaturthi.
A Reflection of Broader Cultural Significance
This episode is more than a local ritual — it offers a glimpse into Rajasthan's rich folk-devotional traditions, where animals are often regarded as embodiments of the divine. Revering the elephant, a majestic and respected creature, as a form of Lord Ganesh has long been an integral part of Amer's cultural identity, passed down through generations.
Quick Read / Key Highlights:
- Devotees thronged Moti Dungri Ganesh Temple and other Ganesh shrines across Jaipur on Ganesh Chaturthi
- In Amer, elephant owner Bunty performed a special puja for his elephant Veeru
- Tilak was applied and a garland placed on Veeru, with a swastik drawn on his forehead
- Local tradition treats the elephant as a living form of Lord Ganesh during the festival
- Onlookers and visitors showed visible enthusiasm watching Veeru's puja
Festive Devotion Sweeps Jaipur on Ganesh Chaturthi
Jaipur wore a festive, devotional look on Monday as Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations peaked across the city. Large crowds of devotees gathered at Moti Dungri Ganesh Temple and other Ganesh shrines from early morning, offering prayers to Lord Ganesh and seeking his blessings for prosperity and the removal of obstacles. Amid this citywide celebration, a heartwarming and unusual scene emerged from the tourist town of Amer, where the elephant deity was honoured in a distinctive way.
A Special Puja for Elephant Veeru in Amer
In Amer, known for its elephant rides, elephant owner Bunty performed a special Ganesh Chaturthi puja for his elephant, Veeru. As part of the ritual, a tilak was applied to Veeru's forehead and a flower garland was placed around his neck. Adding to the significance of the occasion, a sacred swastik symbol was also drawn on the elephant's forehead.
Worshipped as a Living Form of Ganesh
According to Bunty, Veeru was worshipped with complete devotion on Ganesh Chaturthi, regarding him as a living embodiment of Lord Ganesh himself. This is more than a ritual gesture — it reflects the deep faith and reverence Amer's elephant owners hold for their animals. The tradition of associating elephants with the elephant-headed deity holds a special place in Rajasthan's cultural and festive practices.
Onlookers Share in the Celebration
The special puja drew visible enthusiasm from local residents and tourists present at the scene. Many paused to take photographs of Veeru, adorned with tilak and garland. Amer, globally recognised for its heritage forts and elephant rides, became witness to a unique blend of faith and tradition on this Ganesh Chaturthi.
A Reflection of Broader Cultural Significance
This episode is more than a local ritual — it offers a glimpse into Rajasthan's rich folk-devotional traditions, where animals are often regarded as embodiments of the divine. Revering the elephant, a majestic and respected creature, as a form of Lord Ganesh has long been an integral part of Amer's cultural identity, passed down through generations.