At a glance :

God Worshipped : Lord Ganesha

Festival Duration : eight to ten days

Places of Celebration : almost in the entire Maharashtra and some part of out, Maharashtra.

Sangli is one of the district of Maharashtra states and their popular Ganesh temple is very well known in the pilgrims. This Ganesh temple is made by the Rajasthan's famous pink sand stone; it was built by the Sangli state's king Patwardhan Raje. Lord Ganesh is dearest god of the Maharashtra state's people; they have a huge belief in the Lord Ganesh that’s why before starting any new work or task, people believe in worshipping the Ganesh. This holiest Ganesh festival is popular as Ganesh Utsav. It is highly celebrated in the almost every corner of the state Maharashtra. In this festival, devotees bring the idol of the Lord Ganesh at their home which is made by the plaster of Paris. Nowdays, as per the change of time, to save the environment many people bring the clay Ganesh idols at their house. Some public communities or Mandals bring the idol in their Mandap or Pandal. First people bring the idol in the Temple then after prayer they bring it to their house. Devotees worship the Ganesh idol around eight to ten days. In these days, devotees' whole days do different ritual things for Ganesh. Women of the house makes various sweet dishes which Lord Ganesh likes to eat, mostly they make sweet Modakas. As it is a favorite dish of Ganesh.  During this festival all the houses and streets are decorated by the people through lighting and other decorative items. In the entire Maharashtra, there are many Ganesh Mandals, who worship the Ganesh with all combine people. This Ganesh festival was started by the Lokmanya Gangadhar Tilak, he was a freedom fighter. He started this festival, during the British Empire. The major motto behind this festival was to collect all the people and encourage them to fight against the British. That time this was the only medium, through which he can send his social messages to the people.

Nowdays, also many mandals spread the social awareness message by making decorative picturesque which called as Dekhavas. There are around Crores of money for the decorations, but it adds more vibrant color in this joyful festival.  During the festival season and on the last day, all the devotees shout Ganpati Bapa Morya in the high voice and show their happiness. On the last day of this festival, people feel sad, because on that Ganesh went to his house. On that day, everybody shouts Ganpati Bapa Morya, Pudhchya Varshi Lav Kar Ya, through this slogan they request the Lord Ganesh to come earlier in the next year. People come up with their idols of Ganesh at flowing sea and immersed the idol. If you will visit the Maharashtra during this festival, you will get to see the real enthusiasm and love towards Lord Ganesh.