"Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Shatakachi Vatchal"
-a book published by SGS
For decades now the chawls of Mumbai have been like
cultural oases in the midst of rapid industrialization in the city. This
very special characteristic of the residents of these chawls has been
the driving force behind Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandals of Mumbai.
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After Pune, the Ganeshotsav in Mumbai is the most popular and dramatic event in this part of the state. The event has a proud history that began with the call for celebrating the festival with public participation given by Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak in 1893 in his newspaper "Kesari". The first to respond to the call were the residents of the Keshavji Naik Chawl. |
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After crossing the century mark in the celebration the Ganeshotsav mandal of the chawl brought out a book called "Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Shatakachi Vatchal"detailing the very impressive history of the festival and the celebrations. From cover to cover the 252-page book is a collector's
item providing the reader glimpses of the motivation behind making
the festival a public affair, its success as a tool to create social
awareness and garner support for the Independence movement while
at the same time introducing one to the activities of the mandal
that made the whole event possible. |
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Inside the book one comes across the Lokmanya's
editorials written in 1894, 95 and 96 on why he made the Ganeshotsav
a public affair and how he saw a link between the celebrations
and national awakening. Also reproduced in the book are portions
of speeches delivered by the Lokmanya during the Ganeshotsav celebrations
at various places. |
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