The Ganesh Festival celebrates the elephant-headed Indian God with a colorful procession, starting at the Sri Manicka Vinayakar Alayam Temple in the 18th arrondissement. In Paris, the iconic Hindu parade awaits you at the end of summer 2025!
The Ganesh Festival returns to Paris
Every year, the immense Ganesha float proudly parades through the streets of Paris, on the occasion of the Ganesh Festival. In the 18th arrondissement, this major event promises Parisians an explosion of color. At the head of this colorful procession, onlookers can marvel at the musical performances of flute and drum players.
Dancers parade around, proudly wearing on their shoulders the traditional Kavadi, a wooden hoop decorated with peacock feathers. Dressed in splendid saris, the dancers at the head of the parade carry terracotta pots on their heads in which camphor, known for its purifying power , is burned.
A colorful parade dedicated to the elephant-headed God.
Throughout the Ganesh Festival parade, the curious can also witness the coconut ritual. A sacred fruit in Indian culture, coconuts are traditionally broken to free oneself of ego and make room for one’s innermost nature. Another symbol of this Hindu ritual: breaking a coconut is said to bring luck and prosperity.
Members of the procession will also be handing out blessed offerings and a variety of sweets. So many symbolic gestures representing offerings made to Ganesh, as is customary. On the huge Ganesha float, adorned with vegetation, fruit and garlands of fresh flowers, sits the monumental statue of Ganesh, the elephant-headed God. A dazzling show, free of charge and open to all, not to be missed under any circumstances on August 24.