Jal-Jhilani utsav is when Hindus let sail in a boat a small murti of God. This joyous festival was devoutly celebrated in London at the River Thames on Sunday 15 September 2013 in the presence of Ghanshyamcharan Swami (visiting from India).
The event revived fond memories from June 1970, when Yogiji Maharaj, accompanied by sadhus and devotees, bathed the murti of Harikrishna Maharaj in the same river.
At that precise spot, near Putney Bridge, a traditional mahapuja with five artis was performed of Shri Ganesh in preparation for Ganpati Visarjan (the bathing of the murti of Ganpati).
Thereafter, the more than 300 devotees who had gathered for the occasion boarded two boats to enjoy the festivities on the river. They joyously sang devotional songs during the three-hour journey to Tower Bridge and back. Sadhus, including Ghanshyamcharan Swami, delivered discourses, explaining the historical and spiritual significance of the event.
The festival was thoroughly enjoyed by all the devotees who were present, as well as well-wishers who watched from other boats and the banks of the river.