The 10-day-long 'Ganesh Chaturthi' festival is being celebrated in the eight districts of the Marathwada region as well as across the Maharashtra state with enthusiasm and religious fervour.Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated on the Chaturthi Tithi of Shukla Paksha of Bhadrapada month. This year Ganesh Chaturthi is being celebrated on Saturday (September 7).
On this day, all the devotees bring Lord Ganesha home and worship him with proper rituals. It is believed that worshipping Ganesha gives knowledge and wisdom.The festival today began with the joyful devotees buying Lord Ganesha idols from special markets for installation at their homes as well as Ganesh mandal premises by chanting 'Ganpathi Bappa Moraya' 'Mangal Murti Morya' and ‘Aala Re Aala Ganpati Aala’.
In Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar city, a heavy rush was witnessed in city market areas and Hudco Cidco localities on this occasion, with people purchasing idols and pooja materials since early morning.
Huge and long pandals and stages have been erected on various streets and corners by the Ganesh mandals in the entire region, according to the Ganesh Mahasangh sources.
In the city, the festival will start with the 'Mahararthi' at the traditional 100-year-old tradition Sanstan Ganesh Temple situated in the old city area Shahganj, also known as 'Gramdaivat' of the city.
The Sanstan also organised several programmes, including health camps, Daily Bhandara (free meals for all), awareness campaigns, blood donation camps, and Dipostav during the ten days, according to the Sanstan Ganpati sources.
The apex body of the Ganesh Mandals in the city, 'Shri Ganesh Mahasangh Ustav Samiti,' is celebrating the festival on a grand scale and has organised several programmes.
Meanwhile, security has been strengthened by deploying an adequate police force by the police department with the help of police officers and home guards to maintain peace, law, and order to check anti-social elements and avert any untoward incident during the festival, police sources said.(UNI)<>