Maharashtra CM Announces Toll Waiver for Ganesh Devotees Traveling to Konkan

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has declared toll exemptions for Ganesh devotees traveling to Konkan from September 5-19. The waiver applies to toll booths on key highways. This decision follows a review meeting on Ganesh festival preparations and aims to facilitate smoother travel for devotees.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has announced a toll exemption for Ganesh devotees traveling to Konkan from September 5 to September 19. A government resolution regarding this was issued on Wednesday, outlining that the exemption will apply at toll booths on the Mumbai-Bengaluru National Highway, the Mumbai-Goa National Highway, and other roads managed by the Public Works Department.

The directive comes on the heels of a review meeting on Ganesh festival preparations held on August 14, where the Chief Minister instructed the Public Works Department to offer toll exemptions and other facilities for devotees traveling to Konkan. The government resolution was accordingly issued today. Ganesh Chaturthi, marking the birth of Lord Ganesha, is one of the most revered Hindu festivals, celebrated over ten days. It is a period believed to witness Lord Ganesha descending to Earth with his mother, Goddess Parvati.

Ganesh Chaturthi 2024, slated for September 7, promises vibrant celebrations of Lord Ganesha's birth. Devotees globally set up elaborate pandals, conduct prayers, and partake in rituals to invoke blessings for wisdom and prosperity. The festival culminates in the grand *visarjan*, where Ganesha idols are immersed in water to the accompaniment of fervent chants and music. Known also as 'Vinayak Chaturthi' or 'Vinayak Chavithi', it venerates Ganesha as the 'God of New Beginnings', 'Remover of Obstacles', and the deity of wisdom and intelligence.

In Maharashtra, particularly in Mumbai, Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated with tremendous enthusiasm. Hundreds of thousands of devotees flock to mandals to seek blessings from Lord Ganesha. During the festival, people bring Ganesha idols into their homes, observe fasts, cook delicious dishes, and visit pandals throughout the period. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)