Ganesh Chaturthi Festivities Brighten Maharashtra with Tradition and Modernity

Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde and son participated in Thane's Ganesh idol immersion. Celebrations spanned Mumbai and other major cities, blending tradition with creative tributes like a Lord Ganesh idol atop a replica of the LCA Tejas Mark 1A fighter jet. Celebrities and devotees joined the vibrant festivities sweeping the state.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde took part in the Ganesh idol immersion ceremony at Masuda Pond in Thane on Monday. Joining him was his son, Kalyan MP Shrikant Shinde. The CM had earlier conducted 'Aarti' with his family on Ganesh Chaturthi, extending wishes for nationwide happiness and prosperity from his Thane residence.

The Ganesh Chaturthi festival began with immense enthusiasm across India on Saturday. Devotees in cities such as Mumbai, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Surat, and Delhi are indulging in the celebrations with great joy. In Maharashtra, devotees are observing the festival by bringing Ganesh idols into their homes and visiting decorated pandals.

Homes and public pandals are decked with intricate decorations, filling the air with the sounds of prayers, music, and festive chants. Streets are abuzz with lively processions and traditional rituals, as people prepare offerings and visit beautifully adorned pandals. A notable celebration in Mumbai featured a Ganesh idol placed on a replica of the LCA Tejas Mark 1A fighter jet, showcasing a blend of tradition and modern achievements.

This year's festivities have drawn significant attention, with notable personalities, including Bollywood star Kartik Aaryan, visiting pandals to offer prayers. In addition, the first look of Mumbai's renowned Lalbaugcha Raja was unveiled on Thursday, days ahead of the festival. The Lalbaugcha Raja is famous for its history dating back to 1934 and is maintained by the Kambli family. Nagpur's Shri Ganesh Mandir Tekdi, reportedly 250 years old, also saw traditional morning prayers and 'aarti' to mark the beginning of the celebrations.

(With inputs from agencies.)