Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis appealed to people to celebrate Ganeshotsav traditionally while minimising pollution. He was speaking to reporters after installing and worshipping the Lord Ganesha idol at his official residence, ‘Varsha’, in Mumbai. The ten-day Ganeshotsav began across Maharashtra, including Mumbai, today.

 

Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations began with great enthusiasm across Maharashtra, with devotees welcoming Lord Ganesha amid prayers, aarti, devotional songs and chants of “Ganpati Bappa Morya”.

 

In Mumbai, large crowds gathered for darshan of prominent idols including Lalbaugcha Raja, Ganeshgalli, Tejukaya and GSB. Special arrangements have been made by the police, Railways and BEST to manage crowds and traffic. In Pune, the five prestigious ‘Manache Ganpati’ and other mandals welcomed Bappa amid traditional celebrations. Similar festivities were reported from Sindhudurg, Ratnagiri, Nagpur, Nashik, Latur and other districts, with dhol-tasha, tutari and sanai-chaughada adding to the festive atmosphere.

 

Across the state, thousands of household and public idols were installed, with the ‘One Village, One Ganpati’ initiative adopted in several districts. This year, the focus is on traditional celebrations and reducing noise pollution. Health, blood donation, cultural and welfare programmes are also being organised alongside the festivities.