Ganesh Chaturthi is a major Hindu festival celebrated with immense zeal and grandeur throughout India, however, the celebrations in Maharashtra are worth witnessing. Ganesh Chaturthi is also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi and Ganeshotsav. This marks the birth of Lord Ganesha, who is often referred as the god of wisdom, prosperity and new beginnings. Starting today, the auspicious festival will be of 10 days and will commence on September.When did Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations startBal Gangadhar Tilak, the freedom fighter played a pivotal role in initiating the widespread celebration of Ganeshotsav during Indias struggle for independence.In 1890s, it is said that during Indias freedom struggle that Bal Gangadhar Tilak wanted to unite the common people. And then he realised that celebrating a puja together can be a way.Meanwhile, in Maharashtra the Peshwas had already started the tradition of worshipping. People used to celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi at home, Tilak thought why not celebrate this auspicious festival at a public place In this way, people will come together and a sense of unity will be fostered.In 1893, Bal Gangadhar Tilak laid the foundation of this Vinayaka Chaturthi festival. He put up large hoardings with images of Ganesha in pavilions. And he was the one who initiated the tradition of immersion of Ganesha idols on the tenth day of the festival in river.Bal Gandhadhar Tilak faced protests for public celebrationIt is said that he had to face a lot of protests to start Ganesh Chaturthi at a public place. But he was supported by many great personalities of Freedom struggle. He found support from Lala Lajpat Rai, Bipinchandra Pal, Aurobindo Ghosh, and Rajnarayan Bose.The popularity of Tilak boosted just after this and made him even more popular in the 20th century.Helped in Indian freedom struggleIt is said that as people started coming together, Ganesh Chaturthi became a big mass movement of independence especially in Maharashtra. The British company were terrified of the public celebration of Ganeshotsav and in a result they came up with many reports to stop the mass gatherings. But they failed in doing what they wanted.Ganesh Chaturthi in todays timeWith the passage of time, Ganeshotsav became quite popular. Today, the festival is celebrated across the country with a lot of enthusiasm. Apart from Maharashtra it is celebrated in Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Rajasthan.This festival has somehow broken the stereotypes and shackles of caste as people from different background comes together and celebrate this auspicious festival of lord Ganesha.
