Ganesh Puja became a major festival thanks to Lokmanya Balgangadhar Tilak. In 1893, Tilak transformed Ganesh Puja into a ‘sarvajanik utsav,’ advocating that it should extend beyond the confines of homes and become a public celebration to unite people in the fight for “swaraj.” His efforts brought significant attention to Pune, establishing it as the epicentre of Ganesh Puja in India. As the festival gained popularity, it evolved into a grand celebration where Lord Ganesha is honoured for ten days across the city. However, once Ganesha departs and the festival ends, his absence is keenly felt until his return the following year.
It is also a time to celebrate timeless rituals and traditions. Like at our home we get the Ganesha idol from the same place today, as we used to get several years ago. My husband says that as far he remembers at least for the last 63 years the idol has been brought from the same place in Narayan Peth, in Pune. This is the way in which one passes on the sanskaras from one generation to the next. I also make it a point to visit the Shri Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati on the third day of the festival as it is considered to be one of the most auspicious days to visit. It is said that whatever one prays for asks on this day comes true. It is our faith and belief in Bappa that gives us the strength to move mountains to achieve our goals, and our reverence and surrender to the almighty keeps that our conscience in place. Therefore, on this auspicious day when I visit Shri Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati I pray for my children, grandchildren and my larger family that is Symbiosis.
The Ganesh festival offers a wonderful chance to introduce our children and grandchildren to our rich Indian culture and heritage. By linking many of the rituals to modern practices, we can make them more relatable and easier for children to understand. Concepts that might seem challenging to grasp from history books and mythological stories become much clearer through the celebration of festivals. I have found this approach effective with my own children and now with my grandchildren, as I explain the festival’s significance and its relevance in today’s world.
Another tradition that I practice is inviting foreign students to the Ganesh festival that is celebrated at my home. When students come to my house, I explain the rituals to them. It is a wonderful opportunity for them and also us as Indians to introduce them to our traditions and culture. It is not just the well decorated idol When they leave India and Symbiosis they always remember these rituals and traditions and appreciate how we have preserved them for many years.
Just like the La Tomatina festival celebrated in Italy, the Ganesha festival should also be popularized by the citizens of Pune, so that people worldwide become aware of our heritage and traditions.
Efforts like these will bring us together in action, turning the dreams of visionaries like Lokmanya Tilak into reality. May Ganpati Bappa continue to bless us, helping us to view all festivals as chances to celebrate universal brotherhood.
Ganpati Bappa morya! Pudhchya varshi lavkar ya!