We Will Present Our Case in Court to Relax Time Restrictions on Ganesh Festival Celebrations – Deputy CM Ajit Pawar

Pimpri-Chinchwad | While celebrating festivals, the court has imposed time restrictions on the use of loudspeakers and other related matters. Some relaxation is granted on specific days. Efforts will be made to secure more such days for Ganesh Festival. We will also present our side in court to relax time restrictions during Ganesh Festival celebrations, assured Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar.

He was speaking at the prize distribution ceremony of the ‘Pimpri Chinchwad National Ganesh Festival Competition 2024’ organized by Shrimant Dagdusheth Halwai Public Ganpati Trust. The event was held at Prof. Ramkrishna More Auditorium in Chinchwad and was attended by MLA Hemant Rasane, Shankar Jagtap, President of Dagdusheth Halwai Public Ganpati Trust Sunil Rasane, Vice President Manik Chavan, organizers of the National Ganesh Festival Competition Vilas Kamthe, Bapusaheb Dhamale, Kailas Bhamburdekar, and others.

Stating that Ganesh Festival brings everyone together, Deputy CM Pawar said that the Ganesh Festival initiated by Lokmanya Tilak is celebrated in nearly 200 countries around the world. Indians across the globe celebrate this festival. The new generation also actively participates in it. Our Indian culture, traditions, and festivals unite people. They foster a sense of belonging and harmony and create opportunities for many in the social sector, he added.

Ajit Pawar further said that Ganesh Mandals work throughout the year. They build a beautiful bridge of social, cultural, and intellectual awakening, which is a matter of pride. The Shrimant Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Trust has become a powerhouse of social service. Everyone should participate to ensure that no one is left behind during the festival.

MLA Rasane raised the demand in the Legislative Assembly for Ganesh Festival to be declared a state festival. The Chief Minister, both Deputy Chief Ministers, the Minister of Cultural Affairs, and the entire legislature supported it, which is a matter of joy for all, he expressed.

Our land belongs to saints, sages, and devotees. The festival should be celebrated without any blemish. While doing this, we should maintain social awareness and care for the environment. The upcoming Ganesh Festival should be celebrated in an environmentally friendly way and in social harmony. For environmental protection, Ganesh idols should be immersed in artificial ponds, he also emphasized.

The state government is implementing several projects for the development of cities like Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad, and other parts of Maharashtra. To resolve traffic congestion in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, projects like the Ring Road by MSRDC and Metro work by PMRDA are underway. Efforts are being made to strengthen public transport systems. In many places, road widening is necessary. Land is required for development works. Citizens should cooperate considering the future of Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, he appealed.

The state government is also working to attract industrial investment in various parts of the state such as Pune, Nashik, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, and Nagpur. However, most entrepreneurs prefer the Pune region. Therefore, it is essential to provide them with necessary facilities. While undertaking development, those who lose their land will be provided with alternative arrangements. No one will be inconvenienced, he assured.

Considering the demand for extended Metro services during Ganesh Festival—till late night and early morning—appropriate suggestions will be given to the Metro administration, he added.

In the introductory speech, MLA Hemant Rasane said that in 1893, Lokmanya Tilak initiated the Public Ganesh Festival. The festival helps in organizing society. The Pimpri Chinchwad competition has been held for the past 40 years. This year, around 260 Mandals participated, and out of them, 96 Mandals were selected for awards. The demand made in the legislature to declare Ganesh Festival as a state festival has succeeded. Ganesh Mandals conduct socially useful activities throughout the year. Efforts should be made to make this festival free from restrictions. The volunteers of Ganesh Mandals will strive to ensure that no untoward incidents occur during the celebration, he assured.

MLA Shankar Jagtap said that Ganesh Festival reflects social unity. People from all castes, religions, and sects come together to celebrate this festival. Ganesh Mandals should conduct good public initiatives to maintain unity in society, he added.

In the competition, the first prize was awarded to Shrimant Chhatrapati Shivaji Tarun Mandal, Thergaon, the second prize to Late Damusheth Gawhane Mitra Mandal, Bhosari, the third prize to Chintamani Mitra Mandal, Walhekarwadi, Chinchwadgaon, the fourth prize to Bhairavnath Mitra Mandal, Akurdi, and the fifth prize to Bhairavnath Mitra Mandal, Pimple Gurav, Kashidwadi. Prizes were also distributed for categories A, B, C, and D, as well as school and decoration departments. The judges who evaluated the competition were also honored on the occasion.