Vinayaka Chaviti (Ganesh Chaturthi)

Ganesh Chaturthi And The Independence Movement

Started originally in Maharashtra by Chhatrapati Shivaji to promote culture and nationalism, the festival had to be revived by Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak during the struggle for freedom from the British. The celebrations were used to spread the message of freedom struggle and to defy the British who had banned public assemblies. The festival gave Indians a feeling of unity and revived their patriotic spirit and faith.

What was started in Maharashtra by Tilak soon spread to many parts of India, and it can confidently be said that Lord Ganesh played a catalytic force in the Indian Independence Struggle!

The festival was not celebrated with any pomp and gaiety before Independence unlike today.