JAMMU: Minister for Housing, Horticulture, Culture, Youth Services and Sports, Raman Bhalla, on Friday inaugurated ten-day Ganesh Mahotsava at Parade Ground here.
Thousands of devotees of Lord Ganesh were present on the occasion.
Shri Ganesh Mahotsava at Parade Ground organised by the Bhartiya Vedic Sansthan, Jammu under the management of Achariya Sanjay Shastri, Chairman Board of Trustees, Bharatiya Vedic Sansthan.
Interacting with the devotees, Bhalla greeted the people of the State on Ganesh Chaturthi which marks the birth of Lord Ganesha. He said that celebration of such festivals bring people together and cement the bonds of brotherhood and communal harmony. He said this celebration was encouraged by the great freedom fighter Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak to galvanise support for India’s independence movement.
The minister appealed to the people of the State to resolve to renew the spirit and vision of the great leader Tilak and re-dedicate themselves to country’s development and progress.
Bhalla said that Ganesh Chaturthi starts with the installation of Ganesh statues in colorfully decorated homes and specially erected temporary structures Mandapas (Pandals). The Pandals are decorated specially for the festival with flower garlands and lights or theme based decorations depicting religious significance.
Earlier, similar Shri Ganesh Mahotsava celebrations were held at Bahu Fort where Raman Bhalla including large number of pilgrims were also present.
