Bhopal, Sep 14 (IANS): Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, accompanied by his family, visited a market in Bhopal on Monday and purchased an idol of Lord Ganesh, bringing it home for installation and worship as Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations began across Madhya Pradesh with religious fervour.
Minister Chouhan and his family joined devotees in welcoming Lord Ganesh, revered as Vighnaharta, the remover of obstacles.
Homes, temples and decorated pandals across the state witnessed special prayers, aarti and devotional celebrations.
Greeting people on the occasion, Chouhan prayed for the blessings of Lord Ganesh and an obstacle-free life for everyone.
“It is Ganesh Chaturthi. Lord Ganesha is arriving in every village, every city, and in the hearts of people across India. May His grace and blessings be showered upon everyone. Nirvighnam Kuru Me Deva Sarva Karyeshu Sarvada — may there be no obstacles or suffering in anyone’s life,” he said in a video message.
He also highlighted the enthusiasm of children and youngsters participating in the festival, saying their involvement reflected the deep-rooted devotion associated with Ganesh Utsav.
“It fills the heart with reverence to see our youth, teenagers, and beloved children across the country decorating pandals, bringing home idols, and immersing themselves in devotion to Ganpati Bappa,” Chouhan said.
In Indore, devotees in large numbers visited the famous Khajrana Ganesh temple for special prayers and darshan. The deity was adorned with gold ornaments worth around Rs 7 crore. Diamond-studded eyes were placed on the idol during Brahma-muhurta on Sunday, while an offering of 1.25 lakh modaks was made as bhog.
At the historic Bada Ganpati temple, the 25-foot-tall idol was given special ‘shringar’, with around 101 kg of laddus to be offered. A one-hour musical aarti will be held every evening at 9 pm.
In Ujjain, the Chintaman Ganesh temple witnessed devotees observing its distinctive tradition of drawing an inverted swastika while making a wish. An upright swastika is drawn after the wish is fulfilled.
Many devotees also perform ‘tuladan’ with grains, laddus and other prasad as an offering of gratitude.
Across Madhya Pradesh, the festival marked the beginning of days of aarti, bhajans and community celebrations, with devotees seeking Lord Ganesh’s blessings for happiness, prosperity and freedom from obstacles.
