In Baroda, Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated with vibrant colors and enthusiasm, reflecting the city’s deep-rooted traditions. From grand royal Ganpati idols to modest ones set up in homes and community spaces, the festival is marked by joy, elaborate decorations, and festive spirit. Each Ganpati idol is worshipped with great devotion, accompanied by offerings of sweetmeats that children eagerly anticipate until the end of the “Aarti.”
Historical Roots
The inspiration for celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi in Baroda, as in the rest of India, came from Lokmanya Tilak. Tilak aimed to unite the youth and promote Indian principles through this festival. During his visit to Baroda, Tilak met Jumma Dada, a promoter of physical exercise and a supporter of revolutionary activities. Influenced by Tilak, Jumma Dada began organizing the Ganesh Festival at his Akhada (Jumma Dada Vyayam Mandir) in 1901. The festival featured activities such as Malkhamb, sword fights, and wrestling, though these have since been discontinued. The tradition of installing Ganpati idols continues, with designs inspired by the original 1901 celebration.
Royal Celebrations
The Lukshmi Vilas Palace hosts its own Ganesh Chaturthi festival, where the royal family welcomes the Ganpati idol with great splendor. The Chavan family has been crafting the royal Ganesh idols for 84 years, starting in 1936. This tradition began when Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III held a competition to select an artist for the palace. The Chavan family, led by Krishnarao Chavan, won the competition and has since created the royal idols. Krishnarao Chavan was awarded a gold medal by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III in recognition of his skill.
Initially, from 1936 to 1939, the Ganesh idol depicted the theme of Chandrasur Vadh. After 1939, the design became more sacred and holy. Following Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III’s passing, Maharaja Pratapsinhrao continued this tradition, consulting saints from Kashi to design the idol. This practice remains in place today.
Idol Creation and Procession
On Akshay Tritiya, a small wooden platform called “paatlo” is sent to the Chavan studio near Khanderao Market, marking the start of the idol-making process with a pooja. The clay for the idol is sourced from Bhavnagar, and the idol is crafted to be approximately 3 feet tall. After two months, during Ganesh Chaturthi, the idol is transported to the Rajmahal in a grand procession accompanied by shehnai music played by the royal band.
Upon arrival at the palace, the idol is adorned with gold ornaments and a pooja (sthapna) is performed. The remaining days are open for visitors, allowing the public to view and offer prayers to the royal Ganpati idol. The Indumati Palace previously hosted the Ganpati idol, but this tradition was later moved to the Lukshmi Vilas Palace.
Children’s Competition and Festivities
The Maharaja Fatehsinhrao Museum organizes an annual idol-making competition for children. This event encourages children to engage in creative activities by molding clay into their favorite Ganesh idols, providing them a break from digital distractions.
The festival culminates with the immersion of the Ganpati idol in water bodies, marking the end of the ten-day celebration. Devotees bid farewell to Bappa with a promise to welcome him again the following year, cherishing the joyous and spiritual experiences of the festival.
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