Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and his family welcomed Ganpati Bappa to their Mumbai residence on Wednesday, celebrating the start of Ganesh Chaturthi with devotion and traditional ceremonies. The Chief Minister with his wife Amruta Fadnavis and family, performed Aarti at their official residence, Varsha.
Online video footage showed the family performing the rituals, offering prayers, and celebrating the arrival of Lord Ganesha at their home. Taking to X, Fadnavis said, “In a few moments... the arrival of Shri Ganaraya!” He extended his heartfelt wishes to the people of Maharashtra, saying, "On this auspicious day of Shri Ganesh Chaturthi, we bow before the remover of obstacles and the symbol of auspicious beginnings!... Ganpati Bappa Morya!"
Speaking to the media, Fadnavis said, "I extend my best wishes to all the Ganesh bhakts across the world. May Lord Ganesh give us the strength to fight the issues in front of the country. I hope all of you will celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi with great enthusiasm and also follow the law and order." He also underscored the importance of maintaining peace and adhering to rules during the celebrations.
The 10-day Ganesh festival started in Mumbai, Pune, and other places in Maharashtra on Wednesday, with devotees welcoming the deity with enthusiasm into their homes and public pandals. The air was filled with chants of 'Ganpati Bappa Morya, Mangal Murti Morya,' along with the repetitive beats of 'dhol-tasha' drums.
For the first time, the Maharashtra government has declared the Ganesh celebrations a state festival. The state’s culture department has organised multiple activities, programmes, and competitions during the ten-day period. Mandals (groups that celebrate the festival in public places) have been urged to raise awareness of the 12 forts of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj that have been granted UNESCO World Heritage status, as well as Operation Sindoor and the spirit of ‘swadeshi.’
To ensure the smooth and disciplined organisation of the festival, the Brihanmumbai Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Samanvay Samiti, the main coordinating body of Ganesh mandals, has appealed to its members. According to the Mumbai police, 17,600 officers will be deployed to patrol the streets, with additional support from a horse-mounted police unit, drones, and bomb and dog squads.
Also read: PM Modi extends wishes on Ganesh Chaturthi
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