Ganesh Utsav @ 125

   The anticipation of the million eyes ceases today as the Ganesh Utsav completes its glorious 125 years amidst controversy about its inception. The 'Ganpati Bappa Morya' chants, the aartis are heard all around. The markets are overcrowded and galore with Ganesh idols, the fragrance of the flowers, modaks and decorative items.
  This festival finds its roots way back in history when Shivaji Maharaj established the Maratha Empire in the 16th century. Later the Peshwas kept up with the tradition and observed Ganesha as their family deity but the celebrations were only confined to their individual homes. It was in the year 1893 that the idea of public gala was initiated by Lokmanya Tilak. He installed his first Ganpati idol in Vinchurkar Wada at Sadashiv Peth in Pune. In the view to bring people of various stratas of society- educated, non educated, young and old together, to participate in the National Movement against the British. Tilak encouraged the Melas and also gave impetus to the Ganpati immersion procession. He achieved the objects of giving proper direction to the enthusiasm of the youth, to praise the artists and to educate the people.
    Pune, the cultural capital of the state celebrates the festival with gusto. Among the many celebrated Ganesh pandals, the five 'Manache Ganpati' are considered highly auspicious. They are Kasba Ganpati, Tambdi Jogeshwari, Guruji Talim, Tulshibaug Ganpati and Kesariwada Ganpati. The most famous is the Shrimant Dagdusheth who will be seen embellished with 40 kg of golden ornaments this year.
    Over the course of 125 years, the crowds flowing down have only increased in number. The festival is no longer 'simple' it's become a 10 day extravaganza. Elaborate sets are constructed, huge idols are erected, sparkling lights are put up, deafening noise is created, lots of money is poured in, contests are held, conflicts take place. This year though bringing home Ganesha has become more costlier due to the imposition of the GST.
  Here's hoping that we celebrate this festival in an eco-friendly manner and Lord Ganesha hears to our prayers.