In a dazzling display of devotion and cultural celebration, the 10-day Ganesh Chaturthi festival commenced in Maharashtra on Tuesday. This annual event saw the installation of Lord Ganesh idols, the deity symbolizing prosperity and wisdom, in homes and pandals throughout the state, marked by joyous ceremonies and vibrant festivities.
The roots of the public celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi in Maharashtra trace back to the 1890s when nationalist leader Bal Gangadhar Tilak and others envisioned it as a means to mobilize the masses. Leading up to the festival, Ganesh mandals in Mumbai and other major cities orchestrated grand processions featuring towering idols, accompanied by the rhythmic beats of dhol-tasha drums. The atmosphere was charged with excitement as households welcomed their beloved “bappa” with the resounding chants of “Ganpati Bappa Morya.” Devotees swarmed vegetable and flower markets, sweet shops, and roadside stalls, bustling with activity as they purchased flowers, puja materials, sweets, and decorative items.
The celebration took on various forms as idols of different shapes and sizes found their places of honor in numerous households and pandals across Mumbai. These installations were adorned with elaborate decorations, featuring diverse themes such as the Chandrayaan-3 launch and Ayodhya’s Ram Mandir.
Families, young and old, embarked on a heartwarming journey, carrying their cherished Lord Ganesh idols home amidst the joyful chants of “Ganpati Bappa Morya” and the rhythmic beats of drums. The idols were transported via autorickshaws, cars, and other modes of transport, symbolizing the unity and devotion of the community.
Prominent political figures, including Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis, installed Lord Ganesh’s idols at their respective official residences in Mumbai. RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat performed “pran pratishtha” puja of Lord Ganesh at the pandal of the renowned Dagdusheth Ganpati in Pune.
“I have prayed to Lord Ganesh to bring prosperity and peace to the people of the state,” remarked Chief Minister Shinde after the puja at ‘Varsha,’ his official residence. Fadnavis, speaking to reporters, expressed confidence in the blessings of the Lord, emphasizing the support for the “Mahayuti” (grand alliance led by BJP). Celebrities from the film and television industry also welcomed Lord Ganesh into their homes, contributing to the festive spirit. In Pune, the festivities began with traditional grandeur as prominent Ganesh mandals took out elaborate processions to welcome the lord. The sound of traditional Dhol-Tasha drum troupes filled the air as the processions commenced.
Mumbai’s GSB Seva Mandal’s ‘Mahaganpati,’ renowned for its opulent decorations, boasts a stunning array of 66.5 kilograms of gold ornaments, over 295 kilograms of silver, and other precious items. This year, the mandal has introduced facial recognition cameras as part of its security measures.
The safety of the celebrations is paramount, with over 13,750 police personnel deployed in Mumbai alone, including constables, officers, and deputy commissioners.
While many renowned Ganesh idols are installed in pandals during the early morning hours, including the iconic Lalbaugcha Raja, others are paraded from workshops to pandals in vibrant processions. Devotees eagerly await their turn to take darshan (sacred glimpse) of the deity at pandals following the puja performed according to the muhurat (auspicious time).
A total of 2,729 ‘sarvajanik Ganeshotsav mandals’ have been granted permission to organize public Ganesh festivities by erecting ‘pandals,’ as confirmed by the city’s civic body. The Ganesh Chaturthi festival holds great significance in the coastal Konkan region, spanning districts like Thane, Ratnagiri, Sidhudurg, Raigad, and Mumbai. Special trains operated by the Konkan Railway facilitated travel for those looking to celebrate the festival in their native places. One celebrant, Jayendra Mungekar, shared his enthusiasm, stating, “We have been celebrating this festival for generations and hope that it continues in the same way.” Ganesh Chaturthi exemplifies the deep-rooted traditions and vibrant cultural fabric of Maharashtra, uniting communities in celebration and devotion.
