Aurangabad, Maharashtra, Sep 13 (UNI) The eleven-day long 'Ganesh Chaturthi' festival has kick-started in the eight districts of Marathwada region with enthusiasm and religious fervour.
The festival began on Thursday with the joyful devotees buying lord Ganesha idols from special markets for installation at their homes as well as Ganesh mandals premises by chanting 'Ganpathi Bappa Moraya' and ‘Aala Re Aala Ganpati Aala’.
A heavy rush was witnessed in city markets areas and Hudco Cidco localities on this occasion with people purchasing idols and pooja materials since morning.

Due to the plastic and thermocol ban, decorated material of thermocol were seen missing from the market.

Huge pandals and stages have been erected on various streets by the Ganesh mandals in the entire region, according to the Ganesh Mahsangh sources.

In Aurangabad, the festival began with the 'Maha arthi' at the traditional 94-year-old Sansthan Ganesh temple situated at the old city area Shaganj, also known as 'Gramdaivat'.

The Sansthan also organised several programmes, including health camps, Daily Bhandara (free meals for all), awareness campaign, blood donation camps and Dipostav during the eleven days, according to the Sansthan Ganpati sources.
The apex body of the Ganesh Mandals in the city 'Shri Ganesh Mahasangh Ustav Samiti' is celebrating the festival on a grand scale and has organised several programmes, including cultural programmes and competitions to encourage local talent.

Various programmes, including rangoli competitions, cleanliness drive, tree plantation, distribution of books and notebooks to needy students, sword competition, wrestling and street shows and folks relating awareness of cleanness are being organised during the festival period, Ustav Samithi president D N Patil said.

Meanwhile, security has been strengthened by police department with the help of police officers and home guards to maintain peace, law and order situation to check anti-social elements and avert any untoward incident during the festival, police sources said.

However, several social organisations have came forward and created awareness about eco-friendly Ganesh idols during the festival to keeping balance of environments.
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