Vinayagar Chaturthi is almost here and once again devotees around the world are preparing to welcome Lord Ganesha with prayers, flowers, sweets and celebrations.
This year, Vinayagar Chaturthi falls on 14th September 2026. And it is celebrated all over the world, especially India and Malaysia. Maharashtra is particular is widely known for it’s grand celebrations, the presence of Lord Ganesha stretches far beyond the country.
As Indian communities have travelled and settled around the world, they have carried their faith and traditions with them. Today, Ganesha temples can be found in many corners of the world. In some countries, these temples are still important places of worship for Hindu communities, while in others, Lord Ganesha has also become part of the local culture.
Here are a few temples around the world you can travel for Vinayagar Chaturthi:
1) Ganesh Temple Inside Devasathan- Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok may be famous for it’s Buddhist Temples, street food, and busy markets but Lord Ganesha also holds a important place in Thai culture. Known locally as Phra Phikanet, Ganesha is associated with the arts, success, and the removal of obstacles. His presence in Thailand goes beyond Indian Hindu community, making Bangkok an interesting destination to see how Ganesha has become part of another country’s religious and cultural life.
One place to experience is the Ganesh shrine inside Devasathan, a historic Hindu temple complex in Bangkok.
2) Sri Varatharajah Selvavinayagar Temple: Den Helder, Netherlands
A Ganesha temple may not be the first attraction that comes to mind when planning a European holiday but the northern Dutch city of Den Helder is home to an important place of worship for the Hindu community.
The Sri Varatharajah Selvavinayagar Temple started in 1991 by a group of Sri Lankan Tamil devotees and it is one of the oldest Ganesha temple in Netherlands.
3) Arulmigu Navasakti Vinayagar Temple: Victoria Seychelles
Imagine visiting a colourful South Indian-style temple while surrounded by the tropical beauty of an island nation.
Located close to the centre of Victoria, Seychelles, the Arulmigu Navasakti Vinayagar Temple is dedicated to Lord Vinayagar and is known for it’s colourful Davidian-style gopuram.
Constructed in 1992, it is said to be the only Hindu temple in Seychelles.
The temple offers travellers a glimpse into the country’s Indian cultural heritage while also allowing them to enjoy what Seychelles is best know for, it’s beaches, natural surroundings and island scenery.
4) Sri Maha Vallabha Ganapati Devasthanam: New York, United State
In the middle of Queens, New York, stands one of the most prominent traditional Hindu temples in the United States. The temple is the first Hindu temple built in North America.
The Sri Maha Vallabha Ganapati Desthanam, is popularly known as the Flushing Ganesh temple, and is run by the Hindu Temple Society of North America.
The temple was built back in 1970. The present temple structure was completed in 1977. The temple was build following the principles found in Agama Shastras, traditional Hindu scriptures that include guidelines for temple construction.
Taking Vinayagar Chaturthi Around the World
Vinayagar Chaturthi may have different kind of celebrations depending on where you are, but the meaning behind it is the same, “Welcoming Lord Ganesha and seeking his blessings for new beginnings, wisdom and remove obstacles”. From historic hindu temples in Bangkok, a Tamil community temple in Netherlands to traditional Ganesha temple in New York, these places shows how far the traditions surrounding Lord Ganesha travelled.
Sources: News18
