New Delhi: At a time marked by attempts to fragment Hindu society along caste, class, language and cultural lines, the need to embrace the unifying cultural roots of Sanatan Dharma has never been more crucial.

The Sarvajanik Ganesh Chaturthi illustrates how collective cultural practices can foster unity within a community, regardless of their differences.

The festival, initiated by Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak, is not only an important cultural event but also a symbol of resistance against colonial and contemporary adversities.

The importance of this festival is highlighted in the research paper ‘Sarvajanik Ganesh Utsav initiated by Lokmanya BG Tilak and its role in the freedom movement’ by Dr Geetali Tilak.

Historical context and origins

The Sarvajanik Ganesh Utsav originated in the late 19th century, a period when British rule in India sought to deepen existing social divisions and create new ones to undermine the unity of the country. In response to this divide-and-rule strategy, Lokmanya Tilak, a prominent leader advocating Indian independence, saw a unique opportunity to unite Hindus across caste and regional lines.

Traditionally, Ganesh Chaturthi was celebrated as a private family festival. Recognizing the festival’s potential to serve as a unifying force, Tilak transformed it into a public event.

His vision was to use the spirit of the festival to foster collective identity and resistance against colonial oppression. Thus, in 1893, Tilak launched the first Sarvajanik Ganesh Utsav in Pune, paving the way for a tradition that would become a powerful emblem of unity.

Promoting unity through public celebrations

The introduction of Sarvajanik Ganesh Utsav marked a significant change in the celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi. For the first time, Hindus from different castes, regions and social backgrounds came together in public space to celebrate a common cultural event. This collective celebration effectively broke down barriers, fostering a sense of common identity and purpose among the participants.

Tilak’s approach was multifaceted. He exploited religious gatherings to galvanize mass mobilization, using the public celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi as a platform to promote cultural pride and political dissent. The festival quickly gained popularity, spreading beyond Pune to other parts of Maharashtra as well as the entire country.

The public nature of the festival also facilitated the spread of nationalist ideas. Tilak used the occasion to deliver speeches in favour of self-rule (Swaraj) and the unity of Indians in their struggle against British colonialism.

Ganesh pandals, or temporary structures to house Ganesh idols, have become centres of cultural and intellectual activity, blending religious devotion with nationalist fervour and strengthening the community fabric.

The Freedom Movement

The Sarvajanik Ganesh Utsav transcended its religious origins to become a strategic instrument in the struggle against colonial rule. The British authorities, recognizing the subversive potential of these public gatherings, attempted to disrupt them through various means, including banning photographs and processions of Tilak. Despite these efforts, the festival continued to grow in importance and scale.

The festival played a central role in promoting the Swadeshi movement, which emphasised the use of indigenous products as a means of challenging British economic domination.

Moreover, Sarvajanik Ganesh Utsav helped in bridging the gaps between different castes and regions, thereby fostering a cohesive Hindu identity.

The collective celebrations brought Hindus from diverse backgrounds closer to their common cultural heritage, strengthening a collective consciousness that was essential to the nationalist movement. The festival became a rallying point, providing a sense of belonging and purpose that transcended individual identities.

Symbolism of Ganesh Chaturthi in the fight against oppression

Ganesh, the elephant-headed deity, is revered as the remover of obstacles and the bringer of good fortune. Tilak’s innovative use of Ganesh Chaturthi for political mobilisation was a strategic masterstroke. By associating the festival with the nationalist cause, he tapped into the deep reservoir of religious devotion among Hindus and channelled it towards the goal of independence. The festival became a form of defiance against British rule and a testament to the cultural and spiritual resilience of the Hindu community.

Relevance of Sarvajanik Ganesh Utsav

At a time when forces continue to seek to divide Hindu society, the spirit of Sarvajanik Ganesh Utsav remains profoundly relevant. The festival is a powerful reminder of the strength we find in unity in the midst of adversity. Celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi publicly not only honours our traditions but also strengthens the bonds of communal harmony that bind us together.

The enduring significance of Sarvajanik Ganesh Utsav lies in its ability to inspire unity and collective pride. As we face modern challenges, this festival encourages us to celebrate all Hindu festivals with the same spirit of harmony and communal pride. In doing so, we can strengthen the bonds that unite us and build a more cohesive and resilient Hindu society.

Reflecting on the historical significance of Sarvajanik Ganesh Utsav, the importance of cultural unity in preserving the strength of Hindu society is highlighted. Amidst the current divisive forces, the festival stands as a beacon of the enduring power of Sanatan Dharma to unite and inspire.

Embracing the spirit of Sarvajanik Ganesh Utsav helps us ensure that our cultural traditions continue to serve as sources of strength and solidarity for future generations.

As Dr Geetali Tilak points out in her research paper, the festival not only represents an important cultural legacy but also offers a powerful model for fostering unity in the face of contemporary challenges.

(The author is an author and columnist. Her latest book is titled ‘Blood in the Sea: The Dark History of Hindu Oppression in Goa’. The views expressed are personal.)