Mumbai, September 14 (Daily Kiran) : The festive spirit of Ganesh Chaturthi has taken hold in Maharashtra, marking the beginning of a vibrant ten-day celebration. Since Monday morning, devotees have flocked to major Ganesh temples and pandals across the state, filling the air with chants of “Ganapati Bappa Morya, Mangal Murti Morya.”
In Mumbai, the excitement is palpable. The Lalbaugcha Raja, one of the most famous Ganesh pandals, is drawing large crowds eager to pay their respects. Long queues have formed since early morning, as devotees wait for their turn to seek blessings.
Similarly, the Siddhivinayak Temple is bustling with worshippers. Many are standing patiently in line, and temple officials have implemented strict security measures to manage the throngs. The Mumbai police and temple volunteers are diligently overseeing the arrangements, prioritizing both the safety and convenience of the attendees.
Nagpur is also witnessing a vibrant celebration. At the renowned Ganesh Tekri Temple, a significant number of devotees have gathered since dawn, seeking blessings for happiness, prosperity, and peace. The atmosphere is filled with joy, as the sounds of Ganapati chants resonate throughout the temple grounds.
A volunteer managing the temple’s operations shared, “This ten-day festival attracts large crowds. Our main goal is to ensure every devotee has the opportunity for darshan. We have set up separate lines for men and women and arranged e-rickshaws and EV vehicles for the elderly to assist them in reaching the temple easily.”
He further noted that prasad arrangements have been made, with designated areas for vendors outside the temple. Twelve volunteers and security personnel are actively managing the crowd. The volunteer urged attendees not to bring offerings into the temple, as this can increase congestion and disrupt the flow of darshan. He encouraged devotees to join their hands in prayer for blessings.
The temple, believed to be around 200-300 years old from the Bhonsle era, has evolved significantly over time. Its current grandeur reflects ongoing development, attracting many celebrities and leaders who come to seek blessings. Every Tuesday, the temple sees a particularly large turnout.
Another devotee shared their experience, stating, “We came here for Ganesh Chaturthi and felt the atmosphere was filled with joy. The true meaning of Ganesh Chaturthi is that Lord Ganesh removes our troubles and brings us happiness. We should strive to spread joy to others instead of causing them distress.”
In the coastal district of Sindhudurg, the celebration has commenced with traditional enthusiasm. Households are bringing home idols of Lord Ganesh, with plans to install them in approximately 68,800 homes and celebrate in 31 public locations this year.
Authorities have finalized preparations to ensure a peaceful and safe festival. For the next ten days, the spirit of devotion will flourish throughout Maharashtra, culminating in the farewell of Bappa on Anant Chaturdashi, inviting him to return next year.
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