Dharma Droham: From Tilak’s Vision to Today’s Distorted Vinayaka Chavithi Celebrations

Vinayaka Chavithi, or Ganesh Chaturthi, is one of the most celebrated festivals across India. What many devotees often forget, however, is that this festival was not always observed in such a grand, public manner. It was Bal Gangadhar Tilak, a revolutionary freedom fighter, who in 1893 transformed Ganesh Chaturthi from a household ritual into a large-scale public celebration. His aim was simple but profound: to unite Hindus across caste, region, and community lines in the face of the British “divide and rule” strategy.

Tilak understood that religion and culture had the power to bind people together. By bringing Ganesh idols into public spaces, encouraging collective prayers, and organizing cultural programs, he created a platform for national unity and social reform. The Ganesh pandal became not just a devotional space but also a political tool of resistance.

How Far We Have Drifted from Tilak’s Vision

Fast forward to today, and the contrast is stark. While Ganesh Chaturthi is still celebrated with great enthusiasm, the essence of devotion and unity seems to be overshadowed by excesses. Several concerning trends have emerged:

• Alcohol and intoxication: In many places, people attend pandals and immersion processions after consuming alcohol. This is not only disrespectful but also dangerous during crowded events.
• Commercialization: What started as a spiritual movement has turned into a business opportunity for event managers, DJs, and sponsors. Devotion often takes a back seat to profit.
• Music and Entertainment over Bhakti: Instead of devotional songs and bhajans, loud DJ beats and movie songs dominate immersion processions. The atmosphere often feels more like a street party than a spiritual farewell to Lord Ganesha.
• Disrespectful behavior: Reports of young men throwing water packets at women or engaging in rowdy acts during immersion are becoming alarmingly common, raising serious questions about cultural discipline.

Why This Is a “Dharma Droham”

The term “Dharma Droham” (betrayal of Dharma) is fitting here. When a festival meant to invoke wisdom, remove obstacles, and strengthen community bonds is reduced to noise, intoxication, and chaos, it betrays both tradition and devotion. The degradation is not just in outward behavior but also in the loss of spiritual intent.

Tilak’s idea was to make Ganesh Chaturthi a unifying force. Today, it risks becoming divisive, noisy, and even dangerous. Instead of drawing society closer, modern practices often push people away from genuine spirituality.

Opinion: A Call for Reform

It is time devotees and organizers reclaim Ganesh Chaturthi’s true purpose. Devotion does not mean extravagance; unity does not mean chaos. Festivals should be spaces of discipline, harmony, and cultural pride.

Practical steps can include:

• Encouraging eco-friendly idols and simpler decorations.
• Playing only devotional music during processions.
• Banning alcohol and ensuring police monitoring for discipline.
• Reintroducing cultural programs, book donations, and social services at pandals, just as Tilak envisioned.

If society does not introspect now, we risk leaving future generations with nothing more than a distorted, noisy version of a sacred festival. Ganesh Chaturthi is meant to be a festival of devotion and wisdom, not an excuse for unruly celebrations.

In honoring Tilak’s legacy and Lord Ganesha’s spirit, devotees must rise above the temptations of modern excesses and restore dignity to Vinayaka Chavithi.