Mumbai: The festive season in Maharashtra is in full swing as Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations began with great enthusiasm. This 10-day festival, devoted to Lord Ganesha, has seen people across the state bringing home the beloved deity. Among those celebrating is Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, who welcomed Ganpati at his Bandra West home on Saturday.
Sachin Tendulkar’s Ganpati Celebration
Sachin Tendulkar, along with his family, marked the start of Ganesh Chaturthi by performing rituals at their residence. In a video shared on Instagram, Sachin is seen doing the aarti (devotional prayer) for Ganpati Bappa. His mother was also seen in the background as the family came together to offer prayers.
Tendulkar shared his joy with his fans, captioning the video with, “Vighnaharta… Gajanan… Mooshakavahan” and wished everyone a happy Ganesh Chaturthi, hoping the occasion brings happiness and prosperity to all. His post quickly garnered attention, with thousands of fans sending their best wishes in the comments.
Celebrities and Politicians Also Celebrate
Along with Sachin, many other well-known figures celebrated Ganesh Chaturthi in their homes. Shefali Verma, a rising star in Indian women’s cricket, also installed Ganpati in her Rohtak residence. Verma, who recently made headlines by becoming the fastest cricketer to score a double century in a Test match, is currently on a break from her cricket schedule. The celebration was a family affair, with traditional rituals being observed.
In Mumbai, the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Eknath Shinde, also welcomed Lord Ganesha into his official residence, ‘Pratiksha.’ His son, an MP, and his wife joined him in the prayer ceremony. Speaking to the media after the rituals, Shinde expressed hope for a prosperous year ahead, especially for the farmers, mentioning the good rainfall received this year. He also highlighted the various schemes introduced by his government aimed at uplifting farmers and women in the state.
Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis held Ganesh Puja at his official bungalow ‘Sagar,’ while Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray performed prayers at his home, ‘Shivtirth.’ Both leaders shared their festive moments with the public through social media, spreading good wishes for the festival.
Mumbai’s Ganesh Pandals: A Hub of Celebrations
Apart from private residences, Mumbai’s famous Ganesh pandals are a major attraction during the festival. Many politicians and celebrities visit these pandals to seek blessings from the larger-than-life idols installed across the city. The city’s streets are buzzing with the sounds of drums, and the air is filled with the aroma of incense and sweets. Devotees from all walks of life throng to these pandals to offer their prayers.
Ganesh Chaturthi, also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi, is celebrated with immense devotion in Maharashtra and other parts of India. The festival lasts for 10 days, ending with the grand immersion of Ganesha idols into the sea or nearby water bodies. In Mumbai, the immersion processions, especially the one at Girgaon Chowpatty, attract thousands of people every year.
A Tradition of Devotion and Unity
The celebrations are not just about the religious aspect but also reflect the unity and cultural diversity of India. People from all communities and backgrounds come together during Ganeshotsav to participate in the rituals and festivities. The festival serves as a reminder of the shared values and traditions that bind the people of Maharashtra and the country as a whole.
This year, Ganesh Chaturthi holds special significance, as the state, especially the farmers, has benefited from favorable weather conditions. The monsoon has been kind, and it is believed that Lord Ganesha’s blessings will bring prosperity and abundance to the people.
As the 10-day festival unfolds, more public figures, celebrities, and politicians are expected to join the celebrations, adding to the vibrancy of Ganeshotsav 2024.
