Moho Village upholds Lokmanya Tilak's legacy with 70 years of ‘Ek Gaav Ek Ganpati’ tradition

- Ryhea George
- 25 Sep, 2023
Moho, a village nestled in the picturesque Panvel taluka, has embraced the profound philosophy of Lokmanya Tilak through its enduring tradition of ‘Ek Gaav Ek Ganpati’, which combines religious, social, and communal activities. Spanning over seven decades, this tradition has transcended caste, creed, disagreements, and disputes, uniting the residents of Moho in the name of Lord Ganesh, from Ganesh Chaturthi to Anant Chaturdashi.
The term "Ganeshotsav" aptly applies to Moho, where Lord Ganesh's presence permeates every nook and corner of the village. Be it the neighbouring streets, lanes, homes, public institutions, or community organizations, the spirit of Ganeshotsav is omnipresent. However, Moho, nestled amidst serene hills, has given life to the concept of ‘Ek Gaav Ek Ganpati’, which translates to ‘One Village, One Ganpat’."
These celebrations have bridged individuals from diverse backgrounds, ideologies, trades, and professions, underlining the village's unity as a fundamental tenet of the "Ek Gaav Ek Ganpati" initiative. Launched in 1954, this unique tradition involves the consecration of Ganesh idols in the Shri Hanuman Temple of the village, a practice faithfully maintained for an unbroken streak of 70 years.
Over the course of ten days, the people of Moho participate in a continuous array of religious activities, including Shri Gyaneshwari Parayan, discourses, bhajans, and devotional songs. Each day, 35 to 40 households take part in the service of Lord Ganesh. Notably, during this period, the Ganesh idols are placed on elevated platforms, and uninterrupted worship continues until Anant Chaturdashi.
According to the villagers, Ganeshotsav infuses a unique sense of joy and harmony into the village. This festival serves as a unifying force, bringing the community together in unprecedented ways. On the day of Anant Chaturdashi, during the immersion of Lord Ganesh's idol, a traditional musical procession and the melodious songs of various local groups further solidify the village's unity. Despite occasional differences and disputes among residents, during the Ganesh festival, Moho remains an emblem of unbroken harmony.