Mumbai (maharashtra): Lokmanya Tilak was inspired by the ‘Kaali’ puja performed in Bengal during Navaratri and started ‘Shivajayanti’ and ‘Ganesha Chaturthi’ festivals in Maharashtra. For Tilak, it was a form of agitation; but we have changed this to public functions. We religiously stand in queue to have ‘darshan’ of Sree Ganesh, let it be Lalbaug Raja or Keshavji Naik chawl. So many people gather but do not come together; there is no dialogue among them. It is very unfortunate that we have forgotten the very purpose of Lokamanya to celebrate such events and it is a challenge before us. Look at what happens in churches or mosques. Those people not only come together; but are charged as they leave the place of worship to do something for their religion. When President Bush visited India, 3-4 lakh Muslims came together on Azad maidan, without any notice to protest against Bush. They never required a ‘banner’ or a ‘poster’ or any notice in newspaper to come together. Even then, they gathered in such large number that people were stunned. Their machinery, although laudable, is very dangerous. This is happening in our country. Muslims are coming together, Christians are uniting. Are we ever going to realize this fact? – Shri Uddhav Thackeray, Chief Executive, Shiv Sena
Source: ‘Dainik Samanna’
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