Maharashtrian families welcome small Ganesha idols at their residences, while others take part in the mega-events organised by groups, communities or societies.
Festival fever gripped the city of Dwarka as the celebrations of Ganesh Chaturthi kicked off with great enthusiasm and fervour. Celebrations at Dwarka are special as the people from all religions, believes and communities participate in every festivity.
Maharashtrian families welcome small Ganesha idols at their residences, while others take part in the mega-events organised by groups, communities or societies. Groups like Maharashtra Mitra Mandal, Jagannath Sewa Sangh, and other society RWAs celebrate the festivity at a large scale. During 10-day celebrations, various art & cultural and other events are held.
Maharashtra Mitra Mandal is a registered organisation of Maharashtrians residing in Dwarka. They are organising a 7-day event at the True Friends Apartments, Sector-6, which will begin from Monday evening. Throughout the event, a series of activities will be held for all age groups. Secretary of Maharashtra Mitra Mandal, Rajesh Dorlikar said, "This is the 14th year of Ganesh Utsav celebrations in the sub-city. Dwarka now has a significant population of Maharashtrians and the Utsav (festivity) has become an integral part of the people living in the city. The Ganesha idol will be erected to the traditional beats of drums and cymbals on September 2. The Madal will celebrate the birth of Lord Ganesha for a week and the Utsav will end with emotional adieu on 8th September.”
Dorlikar further highlighted a list of the events that will take place during the week-long celebrations. These events mainly included 'Kavya Sandhya' by poets from Dwarka Kirti Kale on September 02; 'Antakshari' organised by Devyani Natu and Dipti Khambete on September 04; 'Food and craft stalls' will keep the visitors busy on September 05; Cultural programme by children will entertain people on September 06; On the second last day, September 07, will witness musical programme by Swarleen Sandhya by Dipti Khambete and Devyani Natu and group; Satyanarayan puja and Mahaprasada will be held on the last day of the Utsav, along with a painting exhibition for children. Also, there will be a blood donation camp.
Speaking on the celebrations of Ganesh Chaturthi, a member of the Mandal, SK Kannwalkar said, "Ganesh idols will be erected in many societies of Dwarka, and many individuals will also bring idols at their homes. The duration of keeping the idol depends on an individual’s choice. It can be kept for one day, 5 days, 7 days or 10 days. Traditionally, Visarjan is done on the 10th day i.e. Anant Chaturdashi.”
The Sangh is organising a one-day event at the community hall of Upkari Apartments, under which people from Odisha and others celebrated Ganesh Chaturthi in their traditional 'Odia' style. On Sunday, they celebrated the festivity with Odissi dance performance, traditional food, and cultural activities.
The one-day event is one of the largest celebrations of Dwarka city. Shishir Das of Upkari Apartments and a member of Jagannath Seva Sangh said, “We celebrate this festival every year in our own way. This has become a medium of bonding between the community people of Odisha living in various societies across the sub-city and its surrounding areas. Our traditional feast is unique where one could enjoy the foods of Odisha.”
In other celebrations, people are celebrating the festival inside their societies and home. Ganpati apartments organised a pooja in its park where the statue of Lord Ganesha is located. Similarly, in Sector 14, a pooja is being celebrated at Radhika Apartments by some families from Maharashtra.
