This Devotees’ Group In Chikkamagaluru Will Not Celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi
Ganesh Chaturthi, a major festival celebrated with great enthusiasm across India, is set to begin on september 7, 2024. Traditionally, the festival spans ten days and is marked by grand decorations and the installation of Lord Ganesha idols in homes and public spaces. However, in Chikkamagaluru, a group of devoted followers has chosen to observe the festival in a unique and compassionate manner this year.
The decision comes in response to the devastating floods and landslides that have struck wayanad, leaving many people displaced and others still recovering from the aftermath. The dr rajkumar Fans’ youth Group, known for their elaborate ganesh chaturthi celebrations over the past two decades, has decided not to install the idol of Lord Ganesha this year. Instead, they are focusing their efforts on providing support to the victims of the wayanad disaster.
Historically, the dr rajkumar Fans’ youth Group has been celebrated for its opulent ganesh chaturthi installations at the Gateway to Chikkamagaluru, setting their celebrations apart from other areas such as Vijayapura, Rampura, and those organized by the Hindu Mahasabha. This year, they have publicly announced their decision through a banner stating their intention to forgo the idol installation in favor of aiding the affected communities.
In addition to this symbolic gesture, the group has pledged to donate the funds they had previously collected for the festival to support the wayanad disaster victims. This act of solidarity is reminiscent of their response to the Kodagu disaster in 2018, where they also chose to forgo their celebrations and assist the victims instead.
Their decision has been met with widespread admiration from the community. Many have praised the group’s compassionate approach, noting that their actions reflect a deep sense of empathy and solidarity. Residents of Chikkamagaluru have expressed their appreciation, believing that such noble actions are in keeping with the spirit of ganesh chaturthi, honoring the deity through acts of kindness and support for those in need.