Maharashtra Begins Ganesh Festival with Pomp and Prayers

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and other state leaders commenced the 10-day Ganesh festival with celebrations at their residences in Mumbai. Shinde emphasized the importance of the festival for the state's prosperity and detailed his government's welfare schemes for farmers and women. Maharashtra tops in foreign direct investment.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Saturday welcomed Lord Ganesh at his official residence in south Mumbai as the 10-day festival dedicated to the elephant-headed god began with pomp.

Shinde, along with his wife and MP son Shrikant Shinde, conducted a 'puja' at Varsha, the CM's official residence.

Talking to reporters later, the chief minister said he prayed to Lord Ganesh, known as the god of wisdom and prosperity, for the well-being of the state.

He mentioned the state's good rainfall this year, hoping it will bring prosperity to farmers despite some areas encountering excess rainfall leading to crop loss. Shinde stressed that the government would firmly support affected farmers.

The CM highlighted his government's various welfare schemes for women and farmers and mentioned Maharashtra's leading share in foreign direct investment (FDI) at 52 percent. State Governor C P Radhakrishnan also performed 'aarti' of Lord Ganesh at his official residence 'Jal Bhushan' in Raj Bhavan.

Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Raj Thackeray of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), and Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray also participated in festivities, reflecting the event's significance across political lines.

(With inputs from agencies.)