The vibrant 10-day Ganesh Chaturthi festival commenced in Maharashtra on Saturday, September 7th, 2024, with prominent political figures leading the celebrations. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, accompanied by his wife and MP son Shrikant Shinde, welcomed Lord Ganesh at his official residence, Varsha, in South Mumbai. Performing a traditional puja, Mr. Shinde expressed prayers for the well-being and progress of Maharashtra, attributing the state’s prosperity to the bountiful rainfall this year. He highlighted various government initiatives, particularly those benefiting women and farmers, and proudly declared that Maharashtra leads the nation in foreign direct investment (FDI) with a 52% share.
Meanwhile, Maharashtra Governor C.P. Radhakrishnan offered aarti to Lord Ganesh at his official residence, ‘Jal Bhushan,’ in Raj Bhavan. Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also welcomed Lord Ganesh at his ‘Sagar’ bungalow, emphasizing the enhanced security measures in place for a safe celebration. He reassured the public of the police’s vigilance during the festival. In a statement, Mr. Fadnavis subtly criticized the opposition, calling for wisdom for all. He also expressed strong disapproval of any misrepresentation of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s legacy, specifically condemning interpretations of the Maratha ruler’s raid on Surat. Mr. Fadnavis argued that history, often documented by English historians, requires correction if inaccuracies exist.
Union Minister and senior BJP leader Nitin Gadkari also participated in the celebrations, welcoming Lord Ganesh to his residence in Nagpur. Other prominent figures, including Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) president Raj Thackeray, hosted pujas at their homes. Shiv Sena (UBT) president and former Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, accompanied by his family, visited the renowned ‘Lalbaugcha Raja’ Ganesh mandal in central Mumbai. Maharashtra minister and senior NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal, also president of the Akhil Anjirwadi Sarvajanik Utsav Mandal, paid his respects at the Mazgaon-based mandal on the first day of the festival. The Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations, a significant cultural event in Maharashtra, serve as a time for devotion, festivity, and unity, with the state’s political leaders actively participating and emphasizing the importance of peace, security, and prosperity.
