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Ganesh Chaturthi :The Ganapati Utsav

Mumbai always remain in buzz. This time, Rebati Mohan Sinha takes the stock of the buzzing affair. . Read...



These days Mumbai wears a festive look as the Puja Mondops have sprung up all over the city for the impending arrival of the Mangalmurti, Ganapati Pappa Murya.

The recently celebrated Independence Day is afresh in my mind and I have been thinking of writing on the Gono-utsav (sarbojonin)of Ganesh Chaturthi, celebrated all over Maharashtra in general and Mumbai in particular, because this utsav was connected with the pre Independence era. The entire city is transformed into one giant carnival.Have you wondered how it all began. Today, I would like to share the roots and more about the pioneers Ganesh Utsav in the ‘City Sarbojonik Ganesh Utsav Sanstha’,Girgaon near chowpaty, the city`s oldest Ganapati mandal,while on one hand we have low key celebration still continuing at Girgaon, on the other hand we have the crowd puller Lalbaugh cha Raja, famous for his pomp and grandeur.(Ten days pranami amounts to more than a crore).
The historians say, this festival began in 1893 and progressed and matured over the century has also witnessed a multitude of social, economical and political changes. It started a small family affairs, meant to unite people in one or two room houses of the Mohalla.Ganesh Utsav was the vision of India`s freedom fighter Balgangadhar Tilak. He realized that his country needed a religious icon and a cover for political activity. His aim was to bring a collective consciousness in the masses and propagate the message of freedom and that could only been possible if Ganesh idol was first taken out to verandah, then to courtyard and gradually across Mumbai and Maharashtra.

During the pre independence era the residents of Mumbai were aware of the overall political scenario then prevailing in India. It was but natural that they had a respect for freedom fighters in general and Balgangadhar Tilak in particular. Their religious nature, love and admiration for Tilak made these residents promptly respond to his call to observe community festival of Lord Ganasha. Most of the people of Maharashtra, celebrating this festival may not be aware of the root cause of it; but they observe with great fan fare. The elephant headed God is worshipped to earn prosperity and good will for ten days.
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  1. Unknown30 August 2008 at 16:58

    Ya Lord Ganesha is symbol of prosperity and good will…. that’s very nice of you , You explained the main origin of Ganesh Chaturthi …Jai bhagwan ji

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