Posted on August 18, 2025

Devotion and worship of Lord Ganesha in different countries outside India

Written by : Badhaai Do

Category: Ganesh Chaturthi 2025: Lord Ganesha Festival

Lord Ganesha has devotees all over the world who worship him with full devotion and faith.

India and Hindu culture has influenced many countries in East Asia. The evidence of practices similar to that of the Indian Subcontinent can be seen around the world.

Lord Ganesha is worshipped in many countries worldwide. in India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Indonesia (especially Bali), Thailand (as Phra Phikanet), Malaysia, and among diaspora communities in the UK, US, and Caribbean nations.

Table of contents

Nepal
Sri Lanka
Thailand
Indonesia (Bali & Java)
Malaysia & Singapore
Mauritius
Fiji
United States, Canada, and Europe
Japan
Cambodia, Vietnam, and Myanmar

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Nepal

Cultural Connection: In Nepal due to Hinduism and Buddhism both coexistence, Lord Ganesha is Worshiped in both traditions.

Temples & Worship: Kathmandu Valley has many Ganesha shrines — The most famous temple is Chandeshwari Temple and shrine is the Ashok Binayak shrine, considered the guardian deity of Kathmandu.

Festivals: Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated on a smaller scale like in Maharashtra. In this Offerings red flowers, sweets, and sindoor are common.

Sri Lanka

Roots: in Sri Lanka Hinduism is concentrated in the Tamil-majority areas and Ganesha worship is also common among Sinhala Buddhists.

Temples: The Pillaiyar Kovil temple in Colombo is a main temple for Ganesha devotees.

Special Rituals: In Sri Lanka, Buddhists do ceremonies with a prayer to lord Ganesha for removing obstacles from life which is like Hindu tradition.

Thailand

Integration with Thai Culture: Known as Phra Phikanet or Phra Phikanesuan, where Lord Ganesha is seen as the deity of arts and success.

Temples: The Ganesha Shrine at Central World which is in Bangkok is a major urban worship site. There are also giant Ganesha statues in Nakhon Nayok and Chachoengsao provinces.

Worship Style: Thailand’s people offerings fruits, coconuts, incense, and marigold garlands.

Indonesia (Bali & Java)

History: Hinduism religion arrived in Indonesia very centuries ago via Indian traders. Ganesha is still a respected of deity in Bali and Java Island.

Presence in Temples: Ganesha statues are found at temple gates as protectors, especially in Balinese Hindu temples.

Unique Element: In Bali Island Lord Ganesha is often depicted with local motifs – floral carvings, sarongs, and tropical symbolism.

Malaysia & Singapore

Diaspora Worship: Indian Tamil communities brought Lord Ganesha devotion here.

Temples: In Singapore’s Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple and in Malaysia’s Sri Maha Mariamman Temple have grand Ganesha shrines.

Festivals: Here Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated with processions, cultural programs, and at the end prasad is distribute to all peoples.

Mauritius

Indian Influence: In Mauritius the majority Hindu population maintains strong devotional practices to Lord Ganesha.

Major Festival: Here Ganesh Chaturthi is a public holiday, celebrated with immersion processions in the sea.

Community Bonding: This festival also marks a strong cultural identity for Mauritian Hindus.

Ganesh Chaturthi 2025: Significance & Celebrations

Fiji

Diaspora Roots: Here Ganesha worship came with indentured Indian laborers in the 19th century.

Celebrations: Temples across Fiji hold prayers and cultural events for Ganesh Chaturthi, combining traditional rituals with Fijian community festivities.

United States, Canada, and Europe

Cultural Spread: Here Ganesha worship is common among Indian peoples and has also been adopted in some New Age and yoga communities.

Temples: Many Hindu temples – such as Malibu Hindu Temple in California and Sri Venkateswara Temple in Pittsburgh have major Ganesha shrines.

Art & Symbolism: Lord Ganesha has also appeared in Western homes and yoga studios as a symbol of creativity and overcoming challenges.

Japan

Unique Adaptation: Known as Kangiten in Japanese Buddhism, Ganesha is worshiped as a dual-bodied deity, embracing deity symbolizing prosperity and marital harmony.

Worship Style: Japanese peoples Offerings often include radishes and sake, which is a cultural adaptation.

Temples: Found mainly in Shingon Buddhist temples.

Cambodia, Vietnam, and Myanmar

Historical Influence: Here Ancient Khmer temples like Angkor Wat have Ganesha carvings which shows the Hindu influence.

Modern Worship: In Cambodia and Myanmar Lord Ganesha is still Worshiped as a bringer of luck and remover of obstacles, though not as a mainstream deity.