Source: The Tennessean
http://www.tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050912/NEWS06/509120367/1023/NEWS
On September 12, 2005 The Tennessean reported, "Local Hindus, joined by hundreds traveling from around the Southeast, yesterday concluded a festive celebration of Sri Ganesh Chaturthi, the birthday of one of the most revered Hindu deities. Celebrating the birth of Lord Ganesh or Ganesha is the reason for one of India's most elaborate festivals. It lasts 10 days, and rituals among believers include fasting, praying and laying out offerings to Ganesha, who is sometimes referred to as Ganapati. Sri Ganesha Temple in Bellevue was abuzz with activity yesterday, the final day of a local six-day observance... Dr. Naveen Srinivas, chairman of the temple's board of trustees, said this is one of the most important functions held all year at the nearly 20,000-square-foot temple. The observance started Tuesday. More than 500 people attended throughout the week, which was a dip from the 700-plus crowd that usually gathers for the event, he said."