Nationalist and freedom fighter Bal Gangadhar Tilak was the man who turned the private, household Ganesh Chathurthi celebration into the present day carnival. Here is all you need to know about it.

          

Ganesh Chaturthi is one of the most resplendent festivals celebrated in India, mainly in Maharashtra. Over time, the festival is celebrated with the same fervour in many parts of south India and Gujarat. Bal Gangadhar Tilak, nationalist and 'The Father of Indian Unrest' as described by the British, was the man behind turning a private, household Ganesh Chaturthi celebration to a gala event.

HISTORY OF GANESH CHATURTHI

The ten-day long Hindu festival is celebrated to honour the younger son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, the elephant-headed God, Ganesha's birthday. While some historians are of the opinion that the earliest instances of Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations can be traced back to the times when Satavahana, Rashtrakuta and Chalukya dynasties ruled, that is from 271 BC to 1190 AD, historical records suggest that Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations were initiated by Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaja, to promote culture and nationalism. It was continued during the rule of Peshwas, for whom, Lord Ganesh was a family deity. Maybe that is why the makers of Bollywood movie Bajirao Mastani had this track included.

However, it remained a family affair till 1892.

HOW THINGS TURNED AROUND IN 1857

The year is famous for the Indian Rebellion of 1857 which is also referred to as the Sepoy Mutiny, India's First War of Independence, Revolt of 1857 among many other names. It was a rebellion that posed serious threat to the rule of the East India Company. Bal Gangadhar Tilak was one of the prominent leaders of the Great Rebellion.The leader saw the need to unite Indians more and realised nothing can bond people more than a common idol, equally worshipped by all.

advertisement

                   

 

GANESH CHATURTHI CELEBRATIONS RELOADED

Tilak noticed that Lord Ganesh was considered "the God for everyman", that Ganesh was worshipped by the members belonging to the upper castes and lower castes alike, leaders and followers alike. He popularised Ganesh Chaturthi as a national festival 'to bridge the gap between the Brahmins and the non-Brahmins.'

                 

 

In 1893, Tilak organised Ganesh Utsav as a social and religious function. It was him who put large hoarding with images of Lord Ganesh in pavilions and the man behind the tradition of immersion of huge Ganesh statues on the tenth day of the festival. The festival served as a meeting place for common people of all castes and communities at a time when public social, political gatherings were banned by the British.

 #Photos courtest: #Reuters

#Credits : #India Today