Sarvajanik Ganeshotsava

Ganesh festival is celebrated widely all over Maharashtra and Karnataka. Pre Independence, BalGangadhar Tilakji started Sarvajanik Ganeshotsava in Pune through which public could be gathered for spreading idea of Independent Bharat. Sarvajanik Ganesh Pandals started in every lane and huge gathering of public irrespective of caste,religion, color,language was seen in these Pandals. Huge Ganesh Idols are seen today.Theme of every Pandal is interesting and different. Public throng eagerly for darshan.Some go Pandal hopping. kids go hunting for fun to participate in various activities which take place in each Pandal.and obviously eating the tasty midas distributed there. As a kid,the Sector 7,Vashi Ganpati Pandal was an attraction. Every Ganeshotsava, we kids would visit the constructed Pandals curious to know the theme that respective year. The 1st day, I would be busy with my own house Ganapati. Then would rush to see Sector 7 Ganesh idol.Huge for a 4yr me. This Sarvajanik Ganesh Pandal is very close to my heart.My 1st ever Bharatnatyam dance performance was on this Pandal stage.I have taken part in Fancy dress,Drawing competitions, Speech competitions, even sports. Then there would be a movie shown every year.We would take chairs from home.and open air on the street a movie would be projected on a huge white screen at night. Every morning and evening Arti would be performed and prasad would be distributed. Very fond memories of Sector 7,Vashi Sarvajanik Ganeshotsava. Later,some TV or Film celebrities also were called to the Pandal An added attraction for us kids. In Hubli,too ,we have Sarvajanik Ganesh Pandal every Colony and every lane. Shloka competitions, Dance,Singing, Bhajan competitions, Sports,Cooking,and similar activities and events are conducted for all age groups.Some arrange Dramas Magic shows . The whole Ganeshotsava is a memorable experience for everyone. Jai Ganesh!