Thane, Sep 7 (PTI) Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Monday said Thanekars have preserved his mentor Anand Dighe’s 37-year-old tradition of infusing social responsibility into festivals like Ganeshotsav, Dahi Handi, and Navratri.
Speaking at the ‘Thane Ganesh Darshan Competition’ awards ceremony at Ram Ganesh Gadkari Rangayatan, Shinde said Dighe meticulously evaluated mandal decorations, themes, and budgets, placing high value on whether local youth crafted the displays themselves.
The competition offers a vital platform for young architects, engineers, and artists to showcase their creativity and organizational skills, the Deputy CM said.
Ganeshotsav should transcend light displays and decorations to focus on social awareness,
community service, and public awakening, Shinde added.
“Lokmanya Tilak brought society together through public Ganeshotsav. Continuing that legacy, today’s Ganesh mandals serve as social welfare hubs by organizing health camps, ambulance services, and disaster relief,” Shinde said here.
During his tenure as CM, Shinde said festival restrictions were relaxed, permits were simplified and mandal fees were waived.
Extending congratulations to the winning mandals, Shinde encouraged non-winning participants to return with greater determination next year while urging all organizers to maintain social harmony without causing public inconvenience. PTI COR BNM
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