Ganesh Chaturthi becomes festival of unity, eco-consciousness in city

What began as a modest cultural transplant from Maharashtra has now flourished into one of Punjab’s most vibrant and inclusive festivals. Ganesh Chaturthi, once unfamiliar to many in the region, has evolved into a grand social celebration that transcends religious boundaries and unites communities across Ludhiana district.

From modest beginnings to citywide festivity

In Ludhiana, the Ganpati Mahotsav is now celebrated at over 40 major locations, with thousands of families welcoming Lord Ganesha into their homes. The festival’s timing—just before shradhs—adds to its significance, as it offers a joyful window for celebration before a fortnight of solemnity.

The roots of Ludhiana’s Ganesh Utsav trace back to 1992, when BJP MLA Harish Bedi, inspired by Mumbai’s celebrations, founded the Baba Ganpati Sewa Sangh. His initiative to distribute 109 idols free of cost to temples and local groups sparked a movement that has grown exponentially.

“There were many challenges in the beginning, but my father was committed to starting this tradition here,” recalls Honey Bedi, who now continues his father’s legacy. Today, 40–50 organisations host elaborate 10-day celebrations, while families across the city participate in shorter rituals.

Kumar Gaurav, of Shri Ganesh Sewa Parivar, shared how the festival has evolved: “We started small, but now children, youth and families all come together to manage every aspect of the celebration.”

Environmental awareness has also reshaped the festival. Concerns over Plaster of Paris (POP) idols polluting water bodies have led many to adopt eco-friendly clay idols. The shift from towering statues to manageable, hand-immersed idols reflects both practicality and reverence.

Festival of unity, shared joy

In Mandi Ahmedgarh, Ganesh Chaturthi has blossomed into a community-wide celebration, embraced by people of all faiths and backgrounds. What was once a household ritual among Hindu families has become a symbol of social harmony.

Jagjit Singh Jajjie, a Sikh social activist, was among the first in the region to install a Ganesha idol at home in 2005, organising a full-fledged visarjan ceremony. “Why restrict celebration to one sect?” he asks, noting that many Hindu families also follow the teachings of Guru Nanak Dev.

At Shri Ram Mandir, Ratan Garg observes that Sikhs and Muslims routinely join Ganesh Aarti, with devotees like Shehbaz even installing idols at home. Municipal Councillor Aman Afridi shared that he and other leaders now reschedule their routines to attend Ganesh Utsav events, reflecting a shift toward interfaith participation.

Deepak Sharma, a former councillor, hosts annual celebrations that draw guests from religious, social and civic bodies, while Shantu Chaitly, a caterer, notes a surge in demand for food stalls and community meals during visarjan days.

Celebration reimagined

Across Ludhiana, Ganesh Chaturthi has become more than a religious observance—it’s a celebration of togetherness, creativity and cultural fusion. From eco-conscious rituals to interfaith gatherings, the festival now reflects Punjab’s evolving social fabric.

As idols are immersed and prayers offered, what remains is a deeper sense of community spirit—a reminder that festivals, at their best, are bridges that connect hearts across traditions.