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“Tilak’s Ganesh Utsav: Awakening of National Consciousness”

Ganesh Worship and National Consciousness

Lord Ganesha, the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, is worshipped before the commencement of any auspicious work. He is revered as the Remover of Obstacles (Vighnaharta) and the Harbinger of Auspiciousness (Mangalkarta). Hence, it has been a tradition in India to begin every important task with Ganesh Puja.

Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak initiated the celebration of Ganesh Puja as a public festival in India. His purpose was to use this festival as a medium to break the barriers of caste discrimination and social hierarchy, and to ignite the flame of freedom among Indians.

During Ganesh Utsav, people would gather together, sing patriotic songs, engage in discussions on social reforms and political issues, and spread messages of unity. Thus, Ganesh Utsav became not merely a religious festival, but a symbol of national awakening and the freedom movement.

Though Ganesh Utsav is celebrated as the birth anniversary of Lord Ganesha, its significance goes beyond religion — it embodies cultural unity, national consciousness, and a guiding philosophy of life.