Ganesh Chaturthi is one of the most sacred festivals for Hindus, celebrated with devotion, rituals, and prayers. Traditionally, families worship a clay idol of Lord Ganesha in their homes and immerse it in water after three, five, or nine days, symbolizing the cycle of creation and dissolution. Beyond its religious significance, the festival also carries a historical legacy. Bal Gangadhar Tilak transformed Ganesh Chaturthi into a public celebration during the freedom struggle, placing idols in village centers and uniting people to build a sense of nationalism and brotherhood against British rule.

Unfortunately, in recent times, the essence of devotion has often been overshadowed. Many groups organize the festival with competition rather than reverence, focusing on the size, decoration, and grandeur of idols rather than the spiritual meaning. This unhealthy rivalry sometimes leads to fights, eve-teasing, and even incidents of drunken violence. Such practices not only disrespect the sanctity of the festival but also disrupt public harmony.

Another concern is idol immersion. Organizers and volunteers often venture into deep waters, risking their lives, while in some cases idols are carelessly thrown into lakes or rivers. It raises a serious question about the respect we show towards the very deity we worship with our hands. Environmental hazards caused by plaster of Paris idols, chemical paints, and oversized structures further add to the issue, polluting water bodies and endangering aquatic life.

The government’s responsibility is crucial in this regard. Instead of issuing superficial standard operating procedures (SOPs) just a week before the festival, clear guidelines should be released at least two months in advance. Strict bans on plaster of Paris idols, chemical colors, and oversized idols must be enforced. The police must ensure that processions remain peaceful, taking strict action against alcohol consumption and unruly behavior. Another growing concern is the misuse of public funds, where organizers spend huge sums on lighting, crackers, and even team T-shirts, shifting focus from devotion to showmanship. Such extravagance dilutes the sanctity of the festival and promotes wasteful spending.

Ganesh Chaturthi should be a festival of devotion, culture, and unity. Indian classical music, dance, bhajans, and traditional rituals must regain their place in the celebrations. Transparency in organizing committees, avoidance of misuse of public funds, and promotion of eco-friendly practices can restore the true spirit of the festival. Celebrating Ganesha should empower the youth with knowledge of our heritage, instill values of responsibility, and spread harmony, not chaos.