The public Shree Ganesh festival in Belagavi boasts a historical and grand tradition. The citizens of Belagavi, along with the public (Sarvajanik) Ganesh festival committees, immerse themselves in deep devotion and celebrate this beloved festival with great enthusiasm, showcasing the rich Marathi culture.
The public Ganesh festival in Belagavi has a historical and magnificent tradition dating back to the pre-independence era.
Activists participating in the first public Ganesh festival at Zenda Chowk Market, Belagavi, which was inaugurated by Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak in 1905
While the public Ganesh festival in Maharashtra began in Pune in 1894, the first public Ganesh idol was installed in Belagavi’s Market area, specifically at Zhenda Chowk, under the auspices of Lokmanya Balgangadhar Tilak in 1905. This historical event gave the public Ganesh festival in Belagavi a unique significance.
Lokmanya Tilak’s purpose of raising awareness about the Indian independence movement and fostering social unity and organisation was largely successful through this festival.
According to senior citizens and social workers in the area, Belagavi residents who participated in the freedom struggle expressed a desire to start a public Ganesh festival similar to that in Pune.
On September 2, 1905, Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak inaugurated the public Ganesh festival at Vishnu Patnekar’s grocery shop in the present-day Kanda (Onion) Market area.
The night before, Tilak stayed in Belagavi, and the next morning, he visited the shop of Shantaram Patnekar in the Market area, accompanied by Govindrao Yalagi, Vishnu Patnekar, Gopal Patnekar, Ramchandra Murkumbi, Shankar Kalghatgi, and Vaman Kalghatgi. At that time, Tilak installed the clay idol of Lord Ganesha.
Because the British kept a close watch on Tilak’s Ganesh festival, restrictions were imposed, such as prohibiting the chanting of Ganpati slogans and not allowing photographs with Tilak. This restriction still lingers in the memories of Belagavi residents as a regret.
Despite these challenges, the Ganesh festival in Belagavi has continued uninterrupted since then. A Ganesh festival committee was later formed, and until 1953, the festival was celebrated in Patnekar’s shop.
From the following year onwards, the festival moved to an open space outside the shop. Since 1980, the committee has been installing the Ganesh idol at Zhenda Chowk. The tradition at Zhenda Chowk Mandal during the arrival of Lord Ganesha has not changed over the course of 119 years. The procession still includes traditional elements like wearing turbans, carrying the idol in a palanquin, and playing traditional instruments.
While the height of the festival idols has increased over time, the tradition of bringing a separate idol in homes for worship continues.
The Present Committee
From the one-and-a-half-day household Ganesh installations to the 11-day public Ganesh celebrations, the entire city and its surrounding areas are filled with fervor, as people from all walks of life in Belagavi come together in devotion to Lord Ganesha. Also, during this period, people from South Maharashtra, North Karnataka, as well as Goa and Sindhudurg, visit Belagavi in large numbers to witness the public Ganesh idols.
In recent years, public committees have been organising various art and sports competitions, bodybuilding contests, singing, and dance competitions, as well as other community-beneficial activities. The district and police administrations in Belagavi have made thorough preparations to ensure the festival is celebrated in a deeply devotional atmosphere.
