Marathi association celebrates diamond jubilee

JAIPUR: This Ganesh Chaturthi, it's double the fun for the city's Marathi association. In its 66th year, the association is all set to celebrate its diamond jubilee, and has lined up an array of special programmes to mark the occasion.
"This year, we have invited artists from other states to perform at our function. A popular drama troupe from Pune and an Indore-based group of singers will participate in the cultural activities during the 10-day festival," said Dr Arun Chougule, associate professor, department of radiotherapy, at SMS Medical College and president of the association.
The eco-friendly Ganesh idol has been one of the high points of the celebrations. "The idol is made of safed mitti' which is biodegradable and dissolves in water in just 10-15 minutes," he said. "This year we are bringing the idol from Pune, which is known for preserving the traditional way of crafting the idol," Chougule added.
The association was established in 1944, and today boasts of a membership of over 450 Marathi families in the city. "The first Ganesh puja took place at a member's house, but over the years the celebrations have grown in magnitude. Now we have a separate plot of land where every year huge crowds gather to pray their offerings to the Lord Ganesh," he said.
The festivities begin after an elaborate puja on Sunday morning, when the statue will be installed in the pandal premises. "The aarti is performed on a rotational basis. Every day about three-four families are given the charge to conduct the aarti," Chougule said. Of the ten days, the eighth day is considered as the most auspicious. "We distribute maha prasad' and most Marathi families partake in the celebrations on this day," he said.
Apart from special performances, enthused youngsters look forward to the in-house activities as well. "During the apna diwas', children take part in various cultural activities, such as singing and dancing, and other sports events," he said.
However, amid the festive fervour, Chougule says it's no longer the same Ganesh Chaturthi. "Earlier even if we had fewer members, every individual was actively involved with each and every aspect of the festivity. Women used to cook the food, while men and children served it," he said.
"Now, with a fast-paced lifestyle these customs have undergone major change. From cooking the food to its distribution, everything has been outsourced to private organizers," he said with a sigh.