Ganeshotsav, the grand festival celebrating Lord Ganesha, has been integral to Mumbai's cultural and social fabric for many years. What began as a modest and private affair has transformed into one of India's most significant public festivals. The Ganeshotsav 2024, also called the Ganesh festival, has changed a lot from its inception to its present-day grandeur.

The origins: A symbol of unity and freedom

Ganeshotsav was popularised as a public festival by Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak in 1893. At a time when India was under British colonial rule, Tilak saw an opportunity to unite people across caste, religion, and class through a common celebration. By moving the festival from private homes to public spaces, he transformed it into a platform for social and political discourse, subtly promoting nationalist sentiments.