PUNE: The grandeur of Ganeshotsav captivated Rafik Shaikh at the age of five. His devotion towards Lord Ganesha only grew since then, prompting him to bring like-minded people together and form a Ganesh mandal in Kothrud 15 years ago.
"Enchanted by the grand celebrations, I brought home a Ganesha idol as a five-year-old boy. My father was surprized and told me that the family knew nothing about the customs and traditions of the festival," Shaikh, now aged 35, recalled.
Every year since then, he tried to persuade his parents to let him host Ganeshotsav at home. "My parents finally relented when I turned 12. They were perhaps persuaded by my devotion to Lord Ganesha. They told me to set everything up in the house for the celebrations before I brought Ganapati home," Shaikh, now a contractor, said.
The family decided to stop consuming non-vegetarian food during the month of Ganeshotsav, a practice that has continued since then. "We called everyone in the area to celebrate Ganeshotsav together then," he said.
As Shaikh turned 20, he established the Jai Shivaji Tarun Mitra Mandal. He gathered all like-minded people in his area and ensured a grand Ganeshotsav. The mandal primarily works for the underprivileged by donating books, clothes and other necessities for people in need. On his part, Shaikh funds the education of underprivileged children, providing them with study material and uniforms.
"Our funding has gradually increased over the years. For me, Ganeshotsav has become an integral part of my life, similar to Ramzan. I donate to and feed the poor during the 10-day festival. For me, Ganeshotsav is all about devotion," Shaikh said.
Last year, Shaikh was awarded by the Dadgusheth Halwai Sarvajanik Ganapati Trust for his contribution to the community. "There is nothing that I see between myself and Lord Ganesha. No boundaries, no social restrictions and no differences. I have around 500-600 people who share my belief. I ensure that we celebrate the festival with love," he said.