Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal performs Ganesh Chaturthi puja on banks of Yamuna

NEW DELHI: Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal with wife Sunita Kejriwal and cabinet ministers performed Ganesh Chaturthi puja on the banks of river Yamuna near the Signature Bridge where the Delhi government organised a grand ceremony, which was broadcast live on all major TV channels and social media platforms. Earlier in the day, the CM appealed to all to join the program, being broadcast live on various channels through TV, and worship Lord Ganesha at their respective homes with their families.Popular singers Shankar Mahadevan and Suresh Wadkar captivated everyone with their performances on the occasion. Kejriwal said everyone should tell their children about the glorious history of Ganesh Chaturthi festival in India and inculcate a mix of spirituality and patriotism in them.The programme started at 7pm and the ‘pandal’ was decorated in a manner that showcased exuberance, beauty, and divinity. Kejriwal and his wife ceremoniously installed the idol of Lord Ganesha and offered prayers while priests chanted mantras. During the event, deputy CM Manish Sisodia along with his wife, environment minister Gopal Rai, health minister Satyendar Jain, transport minister Kailash Gahlot, food minister Imran Hussain, social welfare minister Rajendra Pal Gautam, assembly speaker Ram Niwas Goyal and others were present.Singers Suresh Wadkar and Padma Wadkar sang the Ganesha aarti. The ‘Maha Aarti’ was performed with Suresh Wadkar and 21 priests in which everyone took part. Finally, Suresh Wadkar & Padma Wadkar gave the final performance with 30 dancers.Kejriwal extended his warm wishes to all the people of the country as well as the citizens of Delhi, on the occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi and said, “I pray that Lord Ganapati bestows happiness, prosperity and peace in everyone's life. Our revered freedom fighter, Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak, celebrated Ganeshotsav publicly for the first time in Pune. Later on, his efforts became instrumental in starting a movement. This Ganeshotsav played an important role in uniting the people in the freedom movement,” Kejriwal said.He added that Ganesh Chaturthi became a way to gather the people of the country, and inculcate patriotism among them. “They came together and worshipped Lord Ganesha and fought together for the freedom of our country. We all must educate our children about this special blend of spirituality and patriotism. We all must develop this spirit of spirituality and patriotism in our children,” Kejriwal said.