India is following the path of economic
liberalization, which is bringing in many changes in Indian
society, opening up many opportunities for those who are
ready to learn and work hard. It is even more important
in these times of change to sustain the humanity of human
beings, the homeliness of our homes and the godliness of
our gods.
In the last few decades, the celebration of this festival
left a lot to be desired. The intelligentsia began pointing
out to the malpractices that had entered the celebrations.
The rituals and the sense of social participation was giving
way to commercialization. It was felt that the direction
of the festival needed to be changed. It was felt by many
that it was only the shrimant Dagdusheth Halwai Sarvajanik
Ganpati trust that could show the way.
The trust took up this responsibility and organized many
seminars and camps and workshops to discuss and guide people
about how the festival could be made more participatory
and at the same time contribute to society. Various mandals
from all round Maharashtra started coming to seek advice
on topics like how to maintain a temple, how to use the
contributions gained during festivities for public welfare
etc. Based on the principles propounded by Bal Gangadhar
Tilak the trust has guided hundreds of Ganeshotsav mandals.
History:
The concept of a community Ganesh
Festival was introduced to us by one of India’s foremost
patriot and leading social worker Lokmanya Tilak. The General
public was swept away in the splendor and devotion of this
10 day festival which brought in its wake ‘Kirtans’,
meetings, mela and cultural programme, the echo's of which
could be heard in every nook and corner of the city.
This festival led to awareness of the masses through the
channels of entertainment. Donations from the public were
channelised into religious, cultural and community works.
Once the younger generation realised that they could ride
the vehicle of the Ganesh Festival to improvement. Scores
of youth stepped forward to offer their services.
The community Ganesh Festival as it is celebrated in Maharashtra
today has created a history of sorts with its success in
multiplying, blossoming and maintaining Maharashtra’s
culture.
A
festival of the Masses:
The community Ganesh Festival, first introduced by
Lokmanya Tilak has undergone a sea change since its inception.
This once strictly homely festival has gained enormous popularity
and following. This is evident in the enthusiasm and religious
fervor with which it is celebrated. This Festival is distinguished
by its diverse novelty drama as well as its links with historic
and mythological incidents. This festival brings with it
pomp, birght lights, a glimpse into the diverse cultures
of India, famous sculptures and palaces.
The decorations depict varied contemporary topics such as
ban on dowry, de-addiction, corruption, school, admissions,
superstitions etc.
This festival has become a medium to bring to the foremost
a wide range of topics and issues that touch and change
our lives today. A way to fight against injustice, progress
in education and science are just some of the topics highlighted
by this festival.
The festival encompasses in its arms unity, vastness, comradeship
and patriotism and forwards the cause if the same. The 107
year old Shrimant Dagdusheth Halwai Ganesh Festival is the
jewel in the crown of Maharashtra’s long history of
community Ganesh festival. It is distinguished by its endeavour
to uphold Maharashtra’s cultural heritage. The vastness
and splendour with which it is celebrated and its concerted
efforts to keep the torch that Lokmanya Tilak lighted, burning
bright.
The Ganesh festival acts as an inspiration to scores of
youth and is homeground of social work. It acts as the wheel
that moulds fresh minds and gives them a
certain direction in life. It is a medium that encourages
art, sport, religion, culture, and knowledge of history,
music and dance. There is a constant effort to ensure that
the vulgarity that has become a part of certain community
festivals does not touch the Ganesh Festival. Instead impetus
is given to creative pursuits and social work. With the
grace of Lord Ganesh there has been a positive change in
the outlook of the volunteers of this Ganesh festival and
it is increasingly becoming a society-oriented festival.
Ganeshotsav
Mahamandal: All
the Ganeshotsav mandals decided to meet in a formal conference.
The first ever conference, which included representatives
from nearly 40,000 Ganeshotsav mandals in Maharashtra was
held on 9th August 1988.
At this conference, it was decided
to form a union of all the mandals and thus the Maharashtra
Ganeshotsav Mahamandal was formed. This grand union of all
the mandals under the aegis of Shrimant Dagdusheth Halwai
Sarvajanik Ganpati Trust has facilitated in bringing about
the changes in the celebrations as were felt important.
The results are there for all to see as slowly mandals all
around Maharashtra follow the guidelines and code of conduct
laid down by the Mahamandal.
Address:
Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpathi, Shukrawar Peth, Pune City H.O.,
Pune -411002
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