Flushing's Ganesh Temple is the oldest traditional Hindu temple in the United States, and on the procession day the deity leaves the building and travels the block on a decorated chariot pulled through a closed street. Drums, chanting and offerings move with it, and the sidewalks fill with families from across the borough. It is a short, dense, genuinely photogenic two hours, and one of the least-covered major religious processions in New York.
What to expect
A closed stretch of Bowne Street with a decorated chariot moving slowly along it, accompanied by drummers and walking devotees. Onlookers line the curb and the temple's own frontage. The procession is compact and finishes inside the permit window rather than running all afternoon.
Good to know
- The 7 train to Flushing-Main St plus a bus or a fifteen-minute walk east reaches Bowne Street.
- The closure covers Bowne Street between Holly Avenue and 45th Avenue.
- This is a religious observance, so dress and behave as you would at a temple.
- The procession moves slowly and is easy to follow on foot along the curb.
- Bowne Street is residential - street parking near the temple goes early.
- Flushing's Main Street food strip is a short walk west if you want to make an afternoon of it.
Going? Keep it.
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Common questions
Where does the procession run?
Along Bowne Street between Holly Avenue and 45th Avenue in Flushing, the block that holds the Hindu Temple Society of North America's Ganesh Temple.
Can anyone watch?
It takes place on a closed public street and no admission is listed on the permit. It is a religious observance, so treat it accordingly.
How long does it last?
The city permit covers a two-and-a-half-hour window in the early afternoon.
