A devotee selecting Ganesh idol from a shop in Raja Bazar area of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar
The city’s 102-year-old Ganesh Mahasangh has asked mandals to turn the celebration into a campaign for safer roads, drug-free youth and quieter festivities. The programme includes a cleanliness drive of statues of national leaders on Sept 15, an online Mahalakshmi decoration competition on Sept 18, a kabaddi tournament on Sept 19, a traditional wrestling competition on Sept 20, a rangoli contest on Sept 21 and a cycle competition on Sept 22. Stay updated with the latest Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar news.
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar : As the chants of “Ganapati Bappa Morya” echo across Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and homes glow with fresh decorations, this year’s festival is carrying a message beyond devotion. Also, social awareness will be created about drug addictions among the youths and importance of wearing helmets as a part of road safety ,” said Mahasangh president Haribhau Hiwale. Hiwale said the Ganesh festival would be celebrated through socially relevant activities alongside traditional worship. It also unites families in our housing society,” said Savitri Patel, a resident of Sena Nagar.
The umbrella body of Ganesh mandals has resolved that celebrations should be DJ-free while spreading awareness about helmet use and the dangers of substance abuse among youngsters. “We have appealed to all Ganesh mandals to spread public awareness about pressing social issues during the Ganesh festival. The initiative reflects a growing effort to use one of Maharashtra ’s biggest public festivals as a platform for community engagement along side religious rituals. Across the city, meanwhile, festive fervour has reached its peak. Homes were being adorned with lights, flowers and decorations, while kitchens prepared for the making of modaks and other festive delicacies synonymous with Ganeshotsav. For many residents, the festival remains as much about togetherness as worship. “Ganesh festival is the time to invoke the blessings of Lord Ganesha for the well-being of all. Download the TOI App.
Like last year, there will be no loud celebrations using DJ systems. The Mahasangh’s central celebrations begin on Monday and will continue through a week of public events. Idol stalls remained crowded on Sunday as families made last-minute purchases and collected Ganesh idols booked days in advance.