Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh) [India], August 27 : Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan welcomed Lord Ganesha at his residence 'Mama Ka Ghar' in Madhya Pradesh's Bhopal on Wednesday on the occasion of 'Ganesh Chaturthi'.
Chouhan, along with his family, went to a market located near Platinum Plaza, Atalpath, in the state capital to purchase an idol of Lord Ganesha and brought it home with much celebration.
Extending greetings to the people, Chouhan told reporters, "Heartfelt greetings to all countrymen on the occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi. Ganpati Bappa is now arriving, and he removes all obstacles. My prayer is that Bappa may remove all obstacles from everyone's life and fill it with happiness. From now onwards, the Ganesh Mahautsav will be continued till Anant Chaturdasi."
He further urged the people to purchase all daily-use items prepared within the country to adopt swadeshi. "I appeal to everyone to buy all the daily-use things in our lives that are made in our country, which carry the fragrance of our soil and the essence of our country. You all should adopt 'Swadeshi' and I pray that Lord Ganesh shower blessings on you all," he added.
Ganesh Chaturthi, also known as Vinayak Chavithi, is a festival that marks the worship of Lord Ganesha as the god of new beginnings and remover of obstacles. Devotees across India and abroad celebrate his wisdom and intelligence with decorated homes and pandals, prayers, music, and vibrant processions.
This auspicious ten-day festival starts with 'Chaturthi' and ends on 'Anantha Chaturdashi'.
As part of the festivities, people bring Lord Ganesh idols into their homes, observe fasts, prepare mouth-watering delicacies, and visit pandals. Celebrated across the country, the festival sees lakhs of devotees gathering in temples and mandals to seek blessings.