Union Minister Nitin Gadkari celebrating Ganpati Festival in Nagpur
Nagpur News:
On the eve of Ganesh Chaturthi, there is a buzz all around the city!
Almost all the citizens from all age groups are excited to celebrate the festival with zeal and devotion. Ganesh Chaturthi also known as ‘Vinayak Chaturthi’ is celebrated as the birthday of our loved Lord Ganesha. It is believed that Lord Ganesh was born on a fourth day (chaturthi) of the bright fortnight of the Hindu lunar month of Magh. Thus the festival dedicated to the worship of Lord Ganesha on this chaturthi day is named as Ganesh Chaturthi. But as the involvement of social media has become a predominant aspect of our lives, what take does the Nagpurians have on the celebration of the social festival, where people of all caste and creed come together on a common platform to celebrate the birth of Lord Ganesha, is an important aspect to know about.
Like all other Nagpurians, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari also welcomed the divine guest vighnaharta Lord Ganesh at his house with all ritualistic fervour, like every year, on Thursday, and prayed the Lord to take care of well-beings of all. His family members were prominently present on this occasion.
Talking to the media, after the Lord was devoutly seated for His 10-day sojourn, Gadkari said that he candidly prayed the Lord for the well-being of all in the state as well as in the country. He also took a pledge for providing housing to the poor in the city, the initiatives to which will be effected within three months.
It may be mentioned that there is a plan to construct 50,000 houses for the poor in the city with the assistance from the sate and the Centre. Accordingly each poor will get a house constructed on 1,000 sq ft area.
On the auspicious occasion, Nagpur Today decided to even talk with some prominent citizens of the Orange City how they celebrate the festival…..
Vilas Muttemwar
Former MP Vilas Muttemwar took this opportunity to greet the citizens of Nagpur. However, he had some unique thoughts about the celebration of Ganesh Chathurthi and opined that, “Ganesh Chaturthi is not a religious but a social festival. 100 years back our Freedom Fighter Gangadhar Lokmanya Tilak organized the Ganesh Chaturthi in various squares in Maharashtra where the freedom fighters could spread the message of freedom from British Empire through abhangs and other songs. He claimed that in recent times, the festival has become aimless. There are still many social evils prevailing in our country which could be addressed through this public platform. It is necessary to keep the ideology alive behind the celebration of this festival which promotes unity, equality, women empowerment and humanity.”
Abha Pande
Former Chairperson, NMC Standing Committee, Abha Pande celebrates the festivals keeping the aim behind it in mind. “I think that through this festival, the public platform can be used to address many social issues and I am overwhelmed with the affection and devotion this festival brings with it. I feel that social media has helped people to address their issues which fulfill the basis of the festival” she added.
Public Relations Officer, Raisoni Group, Amit Gandhare feels that Ganesh Chaturthi not only offers a public platform but strengthen the bonds between people. He said, “Ganesh Festival is celebrated as to make people aware of the social problems amogst them. Issues like farmers’ suicides, etc can be addressed using this festival.” He also said, “I don’t feel that social medias can provide the same excitement as one feels when one is physically present to celebrate it. Yes, children of today’s generation are using it a lot but I feel it fails to provide the personal touch of love.”
Yug Tuli
Yug Tuli, owner of Mojo’s Café says that the festival is very close to his heart, “ I have been celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi since I was in 1st standard and it holds a very significant place in my life. We are also establishing Ganesha Idol at our café and when it comes to social media, I don’t think it has hindered the celebration. But only beause of social media people came to know about the people, places and companies who make organic Ganesh Idols which will not harm the aquatic life. Well it is addressing a social issue!”
Mesmerizing idols of Lord Ganesha can be seen in every lane of Nagpur. Whether it is about addressing the social issues or celebrating the festival with joy, Nagpurians are never behind!
-Eila Qureshi
