Panaji: The ten-day-long Ganesh Chaturthi festival began in Goa on Wednesday with traditional fervour and devotion, as households across the state welcomed the elephant-headed deity into their homes.
With nearly 70 per cent of the state’s population being Hindu, the festival is celebrated in almost every household. Devotees performed rituals on Wednesday morning to mark the auspicious arrival of Lord Ganesh, after the idols were brought home on Tuesday night.
The rituals began from 7 am in many households on Wednesday which had consecration of the Idols.
The festival also witnesses a large-scale homecoming, as Goans working outside the state or abroad return to their native villages to celebrate the occasion with their families.
Hundreds of Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandals also began their celebrations from Wednesday. The larger-than-life size Idols of the Elephant headed God was brought in a procession across the state by the Mandals, who has scheduled ten-day-long events to mark the annual celebrations.
Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant extended his generous greetings to Goans on the auspicious occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi, the most cherished festival of Goenkars known as ‘Chavath’ in Goa.
The Chief Minister appealed to the people to have an eco-friendly and flourishing Ganesh festival.
Sawant in his message to the people said, “Ganesh Chaturthi is one of the most important festivals widely celebrated with great enthusiasm, fervour and happiness.”
“Ganapati Bappa is known to be a mentor, protector and remover of obstacles. Lord Ganesha is the embodiment of wisdom, learning, righteousness, good fortune and occupies a special place in the heart of his devotees. Ganesha is considered to be a Vighnaharta, Mangalmurti and first God to receive prayers, ” he said.
The Chief Minister in his greetings further said, “Lord Ganesh is the most beloved deity, thus the arrival of Chavath lights up the life of people with new hope and immense joyfulness, which also marks the reunion of families and relatives who come together to worship lord Ganesh at their ancestral house and celebrate collectively with traditional rituals and culture,” he said.
Goa Governor P Ashok Gajapathi Raju has also extended his heartfelt greetings and best wishes to the people of Goa on the auspicious occasion of Chavath (Ganesh Chaturthi).
In his message the Governor said, “May this sacred festival bring joy, harmony and prosperity into every home. Lord Ganesha, the revered Vighnaharta and Mangalmurti, is a timeless symbol of wisdom and the remover of obstacles.”
“As we welcome him during Chavath, let us seek his blessings for collective progress, well-being, and the strength to overcome challenges,” he said.
The Governor added, “In Goa, Chavath is more than a festival-It is a celebration of our cultural heritage and family bonds.”
The Governor expressed his hope that this Chavath inspires us to cherish eco-friendly traditions, nurture harmony in our diverse communities, and pass on these values to future generations.
Archbishop of Goa and Daman Rev Fr Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrao in his wishes has said “I extend my cordial greetings and best wishes to all our Hindu brethren who celebrate the Festival of Ganesh Chaturthi, and I pray that God may bless each one of them.”
“As I share in your joy, dear brethren, I am reminded of the Prayer Pope Leo XIV made during his meeting with members of different religions, a few days after his election. He prayed that “His (God’s) infinite goodness and wisdom help us to live as His children and as brothers and sisters to each other, so that hope may grow in the world,” the Archbishop said.
The ten-day celebration will include daily rituals, cultural performances and traditional festivities across the state.
