The Delhi Government organised a grand pooja celebration on the occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi on Friday. Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announced that two crore Delhiites joined the programme through live telecast.
Popular singers Suresh Wadekar and Shankar Mahadevan also performed the Aarti at the event.
Addressing the media, Kejriwal said kids need to be educated about the deep historical significance of Ganesh Chaturthi and parents must tell them about its role in the freedom movement; so that they develop the spirit of spirituality and patriotism.
He said that Ganesh Chaturthi has taught our country the strength of unity and Covid-19 too can only be defeated with unity. The Chief Minister appealed to all the people of the country to join the celebration remotely. The program was telecast live from 7 PM and attended by the CM along with the entire Delhi Cabinet.
Kejriwal began his address with the holy mantra of ‘Om Gan Ganapataye Namah’ and said, “Today marks the 'Chaturthi' of 'Shukla Paksha' in the 'Bhadrapad Maas' ; it is the day when Lord Ganesha arrives in our homes, when we bring his idol home and pray to him with jubilation and galore. Lord Ganesha is the ‘Pratham Devta’, he is the ‘Vighnaharta’.
This is why we pray to his divinity before the commencement of any task. People pray to Lord Ganesha throughout the country in many different forms and in many different ways. Today, I want to make a request to all the parents. Please do tell your children about the significance of Ganesh Chaturthi in India’s history. Discuss with them the valour with which it was celebrated.”
“In the British era, people were not able to celebrate any cultural programme or festival together as a community or by gathering at one place. That's why people used to worship at home. Our revered freedom fighter Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak celebrated Ganeshotsav publicly for the first time in Pune. Later on, his efforts became instrumental in starting a movement. This Ganeshotsav played an important role in uniting the people in the freedom movement,” the CM said, outlining the deep historical significance that the festival holds in India’s freedom movement.
“Ganesh Chaturthi became a way to gather the people of the country, and inculcate patriotism among them. They came together and worshipped Lord Ganesha and fought together for the freedom of our country. We all must educate our children about this special blend of spirituality and patriotism. We all must develop this spirit of spirituality and patriotism in our children,” he added.
“The country is currently fighting the biggest battle this century may have seen. This battle against Covid-19, can only be defeated with unity. Because of Covid-19, public programmes at ‘Pandals’ have not been allowed this time. This has been done so that any instance of crowding can be avoided. This is why we are organising a unique and wonderful Ganesh Puja programme. It will make all the people immerse themselves in the divine powers of Ganesha while being at home,” he added.