Klerksdorp family claims miracle: Ganesha statue 'drinks' milk during Navaratri prayer

A KLERKSDORP FAMILY was left astounded when their Ganesha statue appeared to consume milk offered during a Navaratri prayer ritual.

Businessman Ashron Ramfol and his family documented the phenomenon, describing it as a 'profound sign of grace' while religious leaders note such occurrences may have both spiritual and scientific explanations.

What began as a routine ritual at the start of Navaratri on Monday, quickly turned into a miracle for the Ramfol family.

Ramfol, 44, formerly of Reservoir Hills, recently relocated with his wife Monique Weideman, 28 and son Nathan, 12, to the North West province. 

“Monday was the first day in our new home in Klerksdorp, and also the start of Navaratri. That morning, I offered milk to our Ganesha murti on a spoon. Normally, I would drop it at Ganesha’s feet or offer it to the Shiva Lingam.

"But for reasons beyond my understanding, I offered it directly to his trunk, as if feeding Lord Ganesha himself. To my astonishment, the milk seemed to disappear into the trunk.

“At first, I thought the milk I had offered had spilt but then I noticed more of it vanishing, as if it had evaporated into nothing,” he said.

He said he hesitated to tell his wife and son, afraid they would think he had lost his mind. 

“Yet when Monique offered the milk herself, she was equally amazed. Our son Nathan witnessed it too. We continued offering milk and recording videos, and every time, the phenomenon repeated. The experience was profoundly moving, filled with peace, love, and an undeniable sense of divine presence,” said Ramfol.

Ramfol is a Shiva devotee and said he had witnessed something indescribable.

“Monday is traditionally Lord Shiva’s day. I prayed from 3pm to 4 pm, after completing my work and attending to my family. I performed japa meditation, recited mantras, and offered milk to a Shiva Lingam, a practice I have maintained for many years.

“At first, I was in disbelief, spending around 30 minutes offering milk and watching it seemingly vanish. I analysed the murti carefully, trying to make sense of it but every rational explanation failed. My wife was equally shocked and amazed,” he said.

Ramfol said he had read about devotees experiencing miracles but never thought it would happen to him.

“I have seen many such posts on social media. But I could never tell if what I was watching was real or not, especially with so much misinformation out there. But now I have experienced this miracle myself.

“This was a profound sign of grace. It reminded us that the Divine is present, living, and active in our lives. Faith and devotion open doors to peace, love, and abundance, even in difficult times,” he said.

The family said they had not shared the story or the video with anyone else, until now. 

“I have only shared this with my wife and son. Though deeply personal, we feel this story could inspire others during this sacred time. It is too profound to keep to ourselves. It is meant to be shared as a message of faith, hope, and divine love.

“If it happens again, we may create a shrine around the murti so others can experience it too,” said Ramfol. 

Pundit Lokesh Maharajh, chairperson of the South African Hindu Maha Sabha’s priest council, said this was not the first time he heard of this happening. 

“I have heard of similar incidents before, and I understand how deeply moving such experiences can be for those who witness them. For the family involved, it may be seen as a sacred sign that God has responded to their prayers, particularly during an auspicious time such as Navaratri.

“At the same time, there are natural explanations that may account for this. Many statues are made from materials such as clay, stone, or plaster, which can absorb liquids like milk through capillary action. This scientific process can create the impression that the statue is “drinking.”

“Whether understood as a spiritual event or a natural phenomenon, what is most important is the meaning it holds for the family and community. These moments remain deeply personal and private experiences, and they deserve to be respected as such,” said Maharajh. 

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