In Maharashtra, the 10-day extravaganza of the Ganesh festival is being celebrated with zeal, devotion, and enthusiasm. This festival was initiated by Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak with the aim of uniting people and fighting for India’s independence. Reflecting this spirit, thousands of villages across the state have adopted the ‘One Village, One Ganpati’ initiative, bringing all the people together.

The ‘One Village, One Ganpati’ initiative is a significant way to celebrate this joyous festival with fervour and unity and numerous villages in Maharashtra are setting an example by adopting this approach. Urse, a remote village in Palghar district has embraced this initiative since 1973. It unites the Kunbi and tribal communities for Ganpati Bappa, with no personal idols installed in the village. The youngsters come together to create the Dekhava, sending a strong social message. This year, the Dekhava in Urse celebrates India’s historic World Cup victory. The ‘One Village, One Ganpati’ scheme is receiving an overwhelming response across the state, with 305 villages in Hingoli, 804 villages in Nashik, 225 villages in Washim, and 571 villages in Satara district showcasing their spirit of unity and fraternity by celebrating Ganpati Bappa together, staying true to the festival’s original spirit.