Ahmedabad, Sep 17 (IANS) Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Thursday participated in the Maha Aarti at the ‘Vastrapur na Maha Ganpati’ Ganeshotsav in Ahmedabad, where an eight-foot clay idol of Lord Ganesha has been installed at a pandal designed on the theme of the Kashi Ghats.
Home Minister Shah and Chief Minister Patel visited the pandal organised near Vastrapur Lake and offered prayers to Lord Ganesha for the happiness and prosperity of citizens.
They also performed the Maha Aarti and viewed the festival arrangements.
The Ganeshotsav, organised by Sardar Patel Sevadal, has been held near Vastrapur Lake for the past 41 years.
The annual celebration is known for its changing themes and decorations, as well as the attire and installation of the Ganesha idol, attracting residents of Ahmedabad during the festival.
According to the organisers, the money left over from the festival is used for the ‘Riddhi-Siddhi Pregnant Women Scheme’.
Under the initiative, more than 15,000 nutritious kits have so far been distributed to pregnant women, with more than Rs one crore spent on the assistance.
During their visit, home Minister Shah and Chief Minister Patel also appreciated the Kashi Ghat-themed pandal and offered darshan of Lord Ganesha.
Ahmedabad Mayor Hitesh Barot, City Bharatiya Janata Party President Prerak Shah, Corporation Water Committee Chairman Dharamshi Desai and other dignitaries were present, along with a large number of citizens.
Earlier, CM Patel also participated in Ganeshotsav celebrations in his Ghatlodia Assembly constituency, visiting the Ganesh pandal of Tarun Nagar-2 in Memnagar.
The Chief Minister offered prayers before Lord Ganesha and participated in the Aarti.
He also appreciated the theme, decorations and arrangements at the pandal.
A rangoli depicting the face of Prime Minister Narendra Modi had been created at the venue to mark his birthday, with lamps also lit as part of the celebrations.
Chief Minister Patel viewed the artwork and appreciated it.
The Chief Minister greeted citizens who had gathered for darshan and interacted with children during his visit.
Ahmedabad Mayor Hitesh Barot, City BJP President Prerak Shah and social and political leaders were also present during CM Patel’s visit to the Ganeshotsav celebrations in Memnagar.
–IANS
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