Ganesh Chaturthi: How Bal Gangadhar Tilak started the festival during freedom struggle

It is widely acknowledged that Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak played a pivotal role in initiating the widespread celebration of Ganeshotsav during India's struggle for independence.

In the 1890s, as Tilak pondered ways to unite the common people, he recognized the potential of communal worship as a unifying force. In Maharashtra, the Peshwas had already established the practice of Ganapati worship. Tilak's innovation was to shift the celebration of Ganeshotsav from private homes to public spaces, believing that this would bring people together and foster a sense of unity.

In 1893, Lokmanya Balgangadhar Tilak laid the groundwork for this festival. He is credited with erecting large billboards featuring images of Lord Ganesha in pavilions and is also believed to have initiated the tradition of immersing massive Ganesha idols on the festival's 10th day, making the entire festival a public event as we see it being celebrated today.

Key rituals of Ganeshotsav

During the Ganesh Chaturthi festival, Ganesha idols are typically placed on platforms within homes or elaborately decorated outdoor tents. The worship begins with a ritual called Pran Pratishtha, which is performed to infuse life into the idols. Following this, there is the observance of Shodashopachara, which involves expressing adoration in 16 different ways.

While offering their prayers, individuals chant sacred texts like the Ganesh Upanishad and sing other Vedic hymns. They adorn the idols with red sandalwood paste and offer yellow and red flowers. Additionally, offerings such as coconuts, jaggery, and 21 ukadiche modaks (sweet dumplings believed to be Ganesha's favorite) are presented to the deity. Ganesha is also offered laddoos, puran poli, and various fruits as part of the ritual.