Tourism dept sets up special pavilion for foreign tourists at Girgaon Chowpatty Ganesh immersion
Maharashtra's tourism department has set up a special pavilion for foreign tourists at the Ganesh immersion at Girgaon Chowpatty.
With Anant Chaturdashi just two days away, chowpatties and lakes across the city are set to fill up with crowds bidding farewell to Bappa. This year, the state government's tourism department has launched a special initiative so that foreign tourists too can experience the grand Ganesh immersion ceremony held at the historic Girgaon Chowpatty. A special pavilion is being set up at the venue for foreign visitors.
Through this pavilion, foreign visitors will be able to get a close look at Maharashtra's rich cultural traditions. The pavilion will let them learn about the historical and spiritual significance of Ganeshotsav and how grandly the immersion ceremony is celebrated. International tourists are expected to be present at Girgaon Chowpatty this year to witness the immersion ceremony in person.
These visitors will get a chance to watch the Ganpati procession, and will also be able to take part in the puja and aarti of the deity. They will also get the opportunity to join in chants of "Ganpati Bappa Morya". Traditional Maharashtrian attire, the sound of dhol-tasha drums and the devotional atmosphere will together give the tourists a taste of Maharashtra's cultural splendour.
Speaking about the initiative, Tourism Minister Shambhuraj Desai said the rich cultural tradition here is a key feature of the state's tourism. He said the tourism department has been continuously running various initiatives to take Maharashtra's diverse cultural traditions and festivals to international tourists. According to the government, a festival like Ganeshotsav, celebrated through people's participation, can be an effective medium to carry Maharashtra's cultural identity to foreign tourists. Desai said efforts are underway to boost tourism in the state through cultural tourism by supporting such initiatives.
Additional Chief Secretary of the tourism department Sanjay Khandare said the special pavilion being set up at Girgaon Chowpatty will explain the historical, cultural and spiritual background of Ganeshotsav to tourists. He said such initiatives will help take Maharashtra's cultural heritage to the international stage more effectively.
Directorate of Tourism Director Vikas Pansare also commented on the initiative. He said the Ganesh immersion ceremony at Girgaon Chowpatty is an important experience that showcases Maharashtra's cultural splendour. Pansare said the special pavilion will give foreign tourists information about various aspects of Ganeshotsav and will also give them the opportunity to witness the immersion ceremony with their own eyes.
