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By:

Abhijit Mulye

21 August 2024 at 11:29:11 am

Govt assures swift UCC implementation

Mumbai: Maharashtra government unequivocally declared its commitment to implementing the Uniform Civil Code across the state, assuring the legislative assembly that a comprehensive legal framework is already in the advanced stages of formulation. Minister of State for Home Yogesh Kadam categorically stated on the floor of the House on Tuesday that the ruling Mahayuti administration is entirely positive about the swift introduction of the Uniform Civil Code to standardize personal laws. To...

Govt assures swift UCC implementation

Mumbai: Maharashtra government unequivocally declared its commitment to implementing the Uniform Civil Code across the state, assuring the legislative assembly that a comprehensive legal framework is already in the advanced stages of formulation. Minister of State for Home Yogesh Kadam categorically stated on the floor of the House on Tuesday that the ruling Mahayuti administration is entirely positive about the swift introduction of the Uniform Civil Code to standardize personal laws. To facilitate this monumental legislative transition, the state government has formally sanctioned the constitution of a dedicated expert committee, which is being spearheaded by a retired High Court judge. This committee has been entrusted with the critical responsibility of meticulously preparing the draft bill for the Uniform Civil Code, which the government intends to enact immediately upon the submission of the final report. Emphasising the overarching objectives of the proposed legislation, Kadam noted that the Uniform Civil Code would universally apply to every citizen irrespective of their religious affiliations and would explicitly incorporate a stringent ban on the controversial practice of polygamy. The minister drew direct parallels with the legislative measures recently adopted by states like Uttarakhand, underscoring that the impending law in Maharashtra would similarly entail severe penal consequences, potentially including imprisonment for up to seven years for violations related to polygamy and illegal divorce practices. He firmly maintained that the government’s approach is fundamentally secular, harboring no animosity toward any specific religion, but is rather driven by the constitutional imperative to extend equal rights, legal protection, and comprehensive justice to women from all communities. This definitive policy assurance from the government was catalysed by a highly volatile calling attention motion initiated by BJP legislator Devyani Farande, which thrust the deeply sensitive issues of triple talaq and polygamy into the center of the assembly’s monsoon session. Farande brought the ongoing plight of Muslim women to the immediate attention of the House, asserting that despite the central government’s strict legislative prohibition, the illegal practice of instant divorce continues to flourish unabated.

Ganpati Bappa Morya! Mumbai’s Iconic Festival of Faith and Togetherness

In Mumbai, Ganesha does not arrive; he takes over the city, its streets, and its people's hearts.

Ganesh Chaturthi is here, an invitation to celebrate the divine presence of Lord Ganesha with devotion, festivities, and joy. This year, across Indian communities, it comes alive to celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi on the 27th of August. This is a festival that welcomes Ganesha and culminates in the joyful immersion of his idols in water.


Lord Ganesha, known as the remover of obstacles and the harbinger of wisdom, holds a special place in Hindu households. Traditionally, he is worshipped first in all rituals, symbolising a fresh beginning and seeking his blessings for success and prosperity. Across India, devotees celebrate not just his divine presence but also the joy, learning, and togetherness that this festival brings.


As always, an extraordinary wave of energy is sweeping across India, with streets echoing with the rhythmic beats of Dhol, marketplaces filled with clay idols, and homes blooming with decoration. The air itself seems to be filled with enthusiasm, as if nature itself is preparing to welcome the beloved Vighnaharta – the remover of obstacles.


Celebratory mood of the arrival of Lord Ganesha

Ganesh Chaturthi is not just a religious event. It is a celebration of community, devotion, and joy. From simple clay idols brought home with love to grand pandals, every arrival is marked with festivity. His entry into our homes is an entry into our hearts, welcomed with prayers, flowers, sweets, and devotion.


Atmospheric transformation during Ganesh Chaturthi

Families gather, setting aside their busy schedules. Friends and neighbours come together in unity. Children learn stories and songs about Ganesha with innocence and joy. The festival reflects that spirituality is not about isolation but about collective celebration, togetherness, and happiness.


One city that instantly comes to mind when we think of Ganesh Chaturthi is Mumbai. Nowhere else is it celebrated with such grandeur, fervour, zeal, and energy. For Mumbaikars, Ganpati is not just a deity but a family member, a friend, and a unifying force.


In Mumbai, his arrival is truly spectacular. Apart from family celebrations, public pandals, and streets resounding with chants of "Ganpati Bappa Morya", the iconic sight of watching huge idols being transported in trucks through Mumbai's bustling streets, while thousands gather to catch a glimpse of Bappa, is truly a visual treat.


Why is Mumbai's Ganesha festival special?

It was Bal Gangadhar Tilak who made a private household celebration into a community-wide gathering to unite Indians during the freedom movement in 1893. Mumbai has carried the legacy forward with unmatched enthusiasm.


Famous and popular Ganesh pandals in Mumbai

Lalbaugcha Raj (King of Lalbaugcha), known as 'wish-fulfilling Ganpati' Ganesh Galli Mumbaicha Raja is famous for its unique theme and decoration.


Siddhivinayak temple Ganpati-- the temple itself is a spiritual landmark.


While these famous pandals attract millions, the heart of Mumbai’s celebration also lies in its countless neighbourhood festivities. Even modest homes and housing society pandals welcome Ganesha with equal devotion, demonstrating that the spirit of the festival transcends scale and grandeur.


Visarjan -- The emotional farewell

Idols are taken for immersion in water bodies or the Arabian Sea. The procession towards Girgaon Chowpatty, Juhu Beach, or Powai Lake is breathtaking. Streets turn into a carnival. In Mumbai, farewell is not seen as an end but as a symbol of the cycle of life. The chant 'Pudhchya Varshi Lavkar Ye' reflects hope, faith, and eagerness to welcome him again.


In Mumbai, Ganesha does not arrive; he takes over the city, its streets, and its people's hearts. It is not just a festival in Mumbai; it is an emotion.


With Bappa's blessings, let us remove obstacles from our hearts and fill our lives with kindness and gratitude. Until he returns, again, Morya re!

Happy Ganeshotsav to everyone. Let Bappa bless all of us!

 

(The writer is a tutor based in Thane. Views personal.)

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