Chandausi's historic Ganesh Chaturthi fair opens with grand procession and cultural displays

The historic Ganesh Chaturthi fair in Chandausi, known across North India, commenced with grand celebrations as devotees gathered to honour Lord Ganesh. The festivities began with traditional worship and prayers, marking the start of the annual Ganesh Chauth Mela amid great enthusiasm and religious fervour.

Union Minister of State B.L. Verma served as the chief guest and inaugurated the chariot procession by cutting the ceremonial ribbon. The main aarti for Lord Ganesh, seated majestically on the principal chariot, was performed by Gulab Devi, Minister of State for Secondary Education with independent charge, along with Superintendent of Police Vikas Chandra Tripathi.

The elaborate procession route began at the Ganesh temple located on Sita Road and wound through the city's main thoroughfares. The chariot passed through Bisauli Gate, Bada Bazaar, Ghanta Ghar, Khuja Gate, and Kaithal Gate before culminating at the Mela Ganesh Chauth grounds and finally returning to the Ganesh temple.

The procession showcased a spectacular array of cultural displays. Leading the parade were artists playing traditional dhol and nagada drums, followed by decorated camels, a gorilla tableau, and a puppet display featuring dolls. The parade also included Kerala Kathakali performers, the Bareilly band, a half-Hanuman-half-Ganesh tableau, a Lord Ram tableau, a dancing Lord Ganesh tableau, and a striking Lord Hanuman tableau crafted entirely from stationery items.

This year's highlight was the Lord Ganesh tableau created from Morpankhi stone and the devotee Hanuman tableau made from stationery materials, both of which became the main attraction for devotees lining the procession route.

Senior officials present during the event included Education Minister Gulab Devi, Superintendent of Police Vikas Tripathi, Circle Officer Chandausi Vivek Jatla, Circle Officer Bahjoi Shruti Singh, Additional District Magistrate Ashutosh Tiwari, Kotwali in-charge Inspector Sant Kumar, Mela Kotwali in-charge Gajendra Singh, and Tehsildar Ravindra Vikram, among others.

At the Ganesh temple on Sita Road, devotees began arriving as early as 4:00 in the morning. A continuous stream of worshippers offered milk, grass, and flowers to Ganpati Bappa, performing elaborate puja and prayers. The deity found a place in homes across the city as Ganesh Chaturthi brought the community together in celebration.