In Mauritius, usually on the 1st January each year all temples of whatever Hindu denominations of the island are filled up in the morning with devotees as local Hindus feel they are to start the new year with the blessings of God. However, on the 2nd January it's fun and merry making, usually no religious functions. But at the Spiritual Park, the Ganesha Homa held on January 2nd incredibly drew thousands of devotees who were there early morning as they they not want to miss the Blessings of their dear Lord Pancha Mukha Ganapati.

All faces were radiant with love and devotion…

The tent was completely filled up.

Four kulapaties officiated the Homa. Our two new kulapaties, Kulapati Soundiren Arnasalon and Kulapati Yudananda Munian were invited to to officiate the sacred fire ceremony.

Kulapati Yudananda Munian…

One item of the ceremony was the official entrance into the Church membership of one devotee. Here is Saravan koothan from the south, reading his membership vows.

We were honored by the presence of two Indian priests on that occasion.

Kulamata Oomavadee Pallanee…

Little Omvatee….

The priests were invited to chant a few Ganesha mantra at the end of the fire ceremony.

The final arati is about to start…

The whole crowd stood up…

Brahmachari Vel Mahalingum conducting the final arati for the first 2011 Ganesha Homa at the Spiritual Park. Aum Gam Ganapataye Namah!