Deputy CM Shinde welcomes Gauri at ancestral home in Dare village

Ganpati Bappa has been installed in homes and public squares since Monday, with drums and devotional fervour marking his welcome everywhere. On the fifth day of the festival, the tradition of welcoming Gauri was observed.

Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde travelled to his native village, Dare in Satara district, for the occasion. He had darshan of Gauri and Ganpati at his home and took part in the traditional and cultural programmes held in the village.

Speaking to reporters, Shinde said, "Every year there is a Ganpati at our village home, which is why I come to the village home for Ganpati. Ganesh Utsav is celebrated across the country, wherever there are Marathi people. I come to the village and plant trees, given the rising global warming, tree plantation must happen. Crores of trees have been planted by the government. I do not pay attention to whoever levels allegations against me."

Ganeshotsav was celebrated with great enthusiasm, joy and in traditional style at the Deputy Chief Minister's home in Dare village. Gauri's arrival at the home was also marked with music. Late into the night, members of the Shinde family together took part in programmes including bhajans, the traditional Jakhadi dance and a collective aarti, filling the home with devotion.

Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's father Sambhaji Shinde, wife Lata Shinde and all other family members were present and took part in these programmes.

Villagers, not just family members, also participated in large numbers in the Shinde family's Ganeshotsav celebrations. Their participation in the bhajans, Jakhadi dance and collective aarti added to the festive atmosphere.