Maharashtra: Ganesh Chaturthi Festivities Begin

Devotees offer prayers at Shree Siddhivinayak Ganpati Temple in Mumbai (ANI)

The festival celebrates Ganesha as the ‘God of New Beginnings’ and the ‘Remover of Obstacles’ as well as the god of wisdom and intelligence

Mumbai: Devotees thronged the Shree Siddhivinayak Ganpati Temple in Mumbai on Wednesday to offer prayers on the occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi. The ten-day festival, starting today, will conclude on Anantha Chaturdashi.

This auspicious festival begins with ‘Chaturthi’ and ends on ‘Anantha Chaturdashi’. It is also known as ‘Vinayak Chaturthi’ or ‘Vinayak Chavithi’. The festival celebrates Ganesha as the ‘God of New Beginnings’ and the ‘Remover of Obstacles’ as well as the god of wisdom and intelligence.

For the festivities, people bring Lord Ganesh idols to their homes, observe fasts, prepare delicacies, and visit pandals. Celebrated across the country, the festival sees lakhs of devotees gathering in temples and mandals to seek blessings from Lord Ganesh.

Earlier on Sunday , August 24, 2025 , the first look of Mumbai’s famous Lalbaugcha Raja was unveiled. Crafted with unmatched artistry, Lalbaugcha Raja is not merely an idol; it symbolizes collective faith, artistic mastery, and the vibrant spirit of Mumbai. Every year, millions of devotees visit for darshan.

The Lalbaugcha Raja idol is the centerpiece of the Lalbaugcha Raja Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal, founded at Putlabai Chawl in 1934. The Kambli family has cared for the idol for over eight decades.

Earlier in July, the Maharashtra government declared the public Ganeshotsav as the “Maharashtra State Festival.” The announcement was made in the Legislative Assembly by Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar, who noted that the tradition of public Ganeshotsav was started in 1893 by Lokmanya Tilak.

“This festival is deeply rooted in social, national, freedom, self-respect, and linguistic pride. It continues in the same spirit today. It is a matter of pride and honour for Maharashtra,” Shelar told the Assembly. He emphasised that the government is committed to preserving and promoting the cultural significance and global presence of this festival.

( Source : ANI )