Ganesh Festival: A Historical Beacon of Freedom and Unity in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar

The Ganesh festival in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Maharashtra, played a significant role in raising awareness about the freedom movement against Nizam and British rule. Despite restrictions, the festival, which started publicly in 1904, became a platform for public awareness and unity, illustrating themes of patriotism and social reform.

The Ganesh festival in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Maharashtra, has historically served as a powerful tool for spreading awareness about the freedom struggle against the Nizam and British rule, according to a 1973 souvenir by a local body.

Local history researchers informed PTI on Sunday that even under strict restrictions during the Nizam era, people managed to celebrate the festival and convey messages supporting the freedom movement. Limited celebrations occurred until the Hyderabad state—comprising parts of present-day Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh—was liberated from Nizam rule on September 17, 1948.

Established publicly in 1904, the festival gained an organized structure in 1925 with the formation of the Ganesh Mahasangh. The event often faced attacks due to its politically charged themes, such as 'Azadi ki Raah Par' in 1945-46, which depicted Mahatma Gandhi leading M. A. Jinnah towards Swarajya. Despite interruptions, the display remained a platform for public mobilization until 1951.

(With inputs from agencies.)