By Hemang Palan

Undoubtedly, the Ganesh Chaturthi festival celebrated in Mumbai every year with pomp and joy is an adored religious and a sacred event filled with divinity, joy and grandeur. It is a pious festival that invariably brings Mumbaikars together regardless of their religion, caste, or creed across residential neighbourhoods of the city. The residents of an upscale residential township, ‘Wadhwa Atmosphere’ located in the Mulund suburb of Mumbai too recently celebrated ‘Ganpati’ festival.

Mihir Kotecha, Member of Maharashtra Legislative Assembly from Mulund, said: “Mumbaikars are well-known for their strong sense of local pride and also an unflappable spirit. Our beloved Prime Minister Narendra Modiji has always talked about the need for working for humanity through Hinduism. It is not just a religion but also a way of life. I am extremely happy to note that the residents of ‘Wadhwa Atmosphere’ organized and enjoyed Ganesh celebrations in their society premises by upholding the moral values of Hinduism such as truths, right conduct, love and peace.”

Though no one really knows exactly how far back in history Ganesha Chaturthi has been observed in Maharashtra, some historians believe that this festival became a major public event in the 1600s when an Indian King Shivaji Bhosale I sponsored the celebrations. The festival is said to have been revitalized later in the 19th century as a symbol of India’s independence movement by freedom fighter Bal Gangadhar Tilak.