Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar\
The city came alive on Thursday as devotees celebrated Ganesh Janmotsav with devotion and enthusiasm. Temples across the old city, Cidco-Hudco, Shivajinagar, Beed Bypass, and Paithan Road resonated with the sound of conch shells and temple bells, while chants of “Ganpati Bappa Morya, Mangalmurti Morya” filled the air.
Temples marked the auspicious moment of Ganesh’s birth with traditional poojas and grand aartis. Women devotees performed the ceremonial cradle ritual, singing the palna song “Jo Jo Jo Jo Re Gajvadana, Mayureshwar Sukhasadana,” while devotees folded their hands in prayer, seeking happiness, prosperity, and good health. At Rajabazar’s Gramdaivat Sansthan Ganpati Temple, 56 offerings were presented and later distributed as prasad. Morning rituals included a 21-pot Ganesh Yagya conducted by 25 priests under Pandit Vijaykumar Pallod Maharaj, followed by the Janmotsav aarti at 12.30 pm. Devotees also thronged Siddhivinayak Ganesh at the city crossroads and Diwandevdi Ganesh Mandal for Yagyas and aartis. Varad Ganesh Temple in Samarthnagar saw huge crowds, with devotees participating in morning circumambulations and kirtans. By noon, queues extended far outside the temple during the grand aarti, reflecting the citywide fervor and devotion for Lord Ganesh.