Ganesh Chaurthi is observed to celebrate the birthday of the Hindu Lord Ganesh. This festival is celebrated throughout India but holds a special place and is celebrated to with pomp and vigour in states like Maharashtra. Being a resident of Pune I now know what it feels to be part of such a festival. But unlike good olden days when I really used to look forward to festivals like Durga puja or Ganesh puja, I now dread the onset of puja season. Ganesh puja is round the corner since I have witnessed the Ganesh idol being carved out already.

I believe in God and somewhat religious and I hold nothing against any religion what so ever. However, the amount of noise pollution that is created to celebrate Vinayak Chaturthi is unmatched. People in various buildings and residential apartments make it mandatory to contribute for the celebration. The people who portray themselves as the organizers extract large amounts of money irrespective of the financial condition, irrespective of taking the decision of residents –tenants/owners whether they would like to be a part of this whole festivity gimmick or not. To my dismay in the name of Ganesh Chaturthi, late night celebrations continue till around 4am in the morning each day. Also, it is not as if some devotional songs are being played, instead the entire series of famous and not so famous Bollywood dance numbers are played without any break at full volume. I have witnessed this kind of irksome celebration year after year. In the name of Ganesh Chaturthi I lose my sleep, peace, and happiness. It is ironical to say that celebrating or observing birthdays of various Gods and Goddesses do not bring any kind of serenity or invoke pious feelings. It rather feels and gives birth to hatred for people who have made these religious festivals a commercial business.

I believe in India none of the celebrations such as Durga puja, Ganesh Chaturthi or Janmastami or any other religious festivals are celebrated from a religious perspective. It has now become a source of noise pollution, and a money making business. Otherwise why Bollywood actors are asked to perform on a festival like Janmastami. Why can’t the same money which is paid to these people go into charity, why can’t poor and homeless people be fed which will surely make people who contribute feel good about themselves and receive the blessings of the poor?

P.S: I do not intend to hurt anybody’s religious feeling or irk anybody by writing this article. I am a religious and God fearing individual and I respect every religion.