Christian delegates offer prayers to Ganesha in Mangaluru

Mangaluru: A delegation of Christian community members under the aegis of Rashtriyavadi Christara Vedike visited Sanghanikethana on Monday and offered prayers to the Ganesha idol installed as part of the 77th Sri Ganeshotsava being organised by the Sarvajanika Sri Ganeshotsava Samiti and Keshava Smriti Samvardhana Samiti.
The delegation of Christians has been visiting Sanghanikethana to spread the message of communal harmony every year.Farmer Herbert D'Souza Jeppu, who supplies ears of paddy for Hindus during ‘thene habba' and also arranges boats for the immersion of the Ganesha idol, was felicitated by the Sarvajanika Sri Ganeshotsava Samiti and Keshava Smriti Samvardhana Samiti on the occasion. Christian delegates received prasad after the prayers.
Speaking on the occasion, Vedike founder Franklin Monteiro said that Ganeshotsava brings together Indians as aspired by Bal Gangadhar Tilak decades ago. "As a mark of equality, nationalism and harmony, we have been visiting Sanghanikethana every year to offer prayers," he said.
Karnataka Bank retired general manager Leena Monteiro, Credai Mangaluru president Vinod Pinto, entrepreneurs Prashanth Sanil, Gregory D'Souza, Naveen Cardoza, Naveen Fernandes, lecturer Dr Jefry Rodrigues and others were present. Chitrapur Mutt pontiff Srimad Sadyojat Shankarashram Swamiji visited Sanghanikethana as part of the festival.