eknath-shinde-govt-exempts-toll-for-ganesh-devotees

The Maharashtra government has announced a toll exemption for Ganesh devotees travelling to Konkan from September 5 to 19. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde issued the decision, aiming to ease the journey for the many devotees heading to the region for the Ganesh Chaturthi festival.

The exemption will apply at toll booths along the Mumbai-Bengaluru National Highway, the Mumbai-Goa National Highway, and other roads managed by the Public Works Department.

This initiative stems from a review meeting held on August 14, where the Chief Minister instructed the Public Works Department to facilitate the smooth travel of devotees during the festival. Following his directive, a government resolution was released, confirming the toll waiver and other measures to support the travellers.

Ganesh Chaturthi, a festival that celebrates the birth of Lord Ganesha, is one of the most significant Hindu festivals, especially in Maharashtra. The festival, which lasts for 10 days, sees the installation of Ganesha idols in homes and public pandals, where devotees gather to offer prayers and seek blessings.

This year, Ganesh Chaturthi falls on September 7, and the festivities will culminate with the grand visarjan, where the idols are immersed in water bodies amidst chants and music.

The festival is also referred to as ‘Vinayak Chaturthi’ or ‘Vinayak Chavithi’ and honours Ganesha as the ‘God of New Beginnings’ and the ‘Remover of Obstacles’. Known for bringing wisdom and prosperity, Ganesha is revered across India and beyond, with the celebrations in Maharashtra being particularly vibrant and grand.

As the festival approaches, the exemption from tolls is expected to encourage more devotees to travel to Konkan, where many families return to their ancestral homes to celebrate the festival with traditional rituals. The toll waiver is seen as a gesture to support the cultural and religious practices that hold deep significance for the people of Maharashtra.

In Mumbai and across the state, preparations for Ganesh Chaturthi are in full swing. Families are busy preparing for the arrival of Lord Ganesha, bringing home beautifully crafted idols and setting up elaborate decorations.

The streets will soon be filled with the sound of devotional songs, the aroma of festive delicacies, and the vibrant colours of the festival, as Maharashtra gears up to celebrate one of its most beloved traditions.