Panaji/Konkan: The ten-day-long Ganesh Chaturthi festival began in Goa and Konkan region with Hindu households bringing the idol of Elephant-headed God in their homes.
The festivities began on Tuesday with puja of Ganesh Idol being performed in every household of the state and also in neighbouring Konkan region.
Greeting people of the state, Chief minister Dr Pramod Sawant said that the people will worship Vighnaharta Lord Ganesh, the remover of obstacles.
“The uniqueness and popularity of this festival is highlighted as the people of all religions, caste and creeds fervently participate in the celebrations, which in turn promotes good will, brotherhood and harmony in the society,” he said.
“This festival is the time of family reunion, when all the members of the family, wherever they may be, return to their ancestral home to celebrate Chaturthi. This Festival epitomises the unity and spiritual harmony of Goa.” the chief minister said.
“May this occasion strengthen the bonds of brotherhood that have always existed among people of diverse traditions, in our State,” he added.
State’s main markets including that in Panaji, Mapusa, Vasco and Margao were abuzz with the activities as several people were seen busy in last minute marketing. The markets were full of essentials required for Ganesh Chaturthi festival.
The festival is also homecoming for many as this festival is celebrated at the ancestral homes for many families.
“You will find that the cities are empty and villages are full during these days. People from across the state and even those who are living outside the state travel back,” said Neeraj Bandekar, who has returned from Margao in South Goa to his hometown of Palolem in Canacona taluka.
He said that the Ganesh Chaturthi festival is usually celebrated amongst the joint families.
The Konkan region in Maharashtra has been witnessing religious pomp during these festivities. Konkan Railway Corporation had run special trains from Mumbai to allow the people from Konkan up to Goa to travel for Ganesh Chaturthi.
Jayendra Mungekar, who works in a hotel in Mumbai, and originally from Munge village of Devgad taluka of Maharashtra, said that he never misses Ganesh Chaturthi at his ancestral place.
“The only time when I don’t compromise with my vacations is Ganesh Chaturthi. We have been celebrating this festival and I feel that it should be continued in the same way,” he said.
