Grand Shobha Yatra Marks Beginning of Ganesh Mahotsav 2026, Ganpati Bappa Installed with Traditional Rituals

Faridabad- Ganesh Mahotsav 2026, organised by Haryana Cabinet Minister Vipul Goel and Pallavi Goel, began with grandeur and devotion in Faridabad on Sunday, September 14. The three-day festival, being held at Central Park Lawn and Banquet in Sector 12, witnessed a vibrant confluence of faith, devotion, culture and music on its opening day, with a large number of devotees arriving to seek the blessings of Lord Ganesha and participate in various religious and cultural programmes.

The first day commenced with a grand Shobha Yatra dedicated to Lord Ganesha. A large number of devotees participated in the procession amid the beats of drums, devotional songs and chants of “Ganpati Bappa Morya”. The idol of Lord Ganesha was brought to the festival venue in a devotional atmosphere, where Ganpati Bappa was installed in accordance with traditional rituals, Vedic chants and religious ceremonies.

Following the installation, a grand aarti of Lord Ganesha was performed. Devotees participated collectively and prayed for peace, prosperity and happiness in Haryana and the country. The entire pandal reverberated with chants of “Ganpati Bappa Morya”, creating a deeply devotional atmosphere.

The cultural and devotional programmes began after the Ganpati installation. Popular Madhavas Rock Band enthralled devotees with an energetic and devotional performance. The unique blend of contemporary music and devotion particularly attracted the youth and filled the venue with enthusiasm. Renowned bhajan singer Chitra-Vichitra Ji Maharaj then presented devotional renditions in praise of the Lord, leaving devotees immersed in devotion. Prakhar and Saaz Malhotra also captivated the audience with their performances, keeping the gathering connected with music and devotion.

After a day filled with religious and cultural programmes, a grand evening aarti of Ganpati Bappa was organised. The glow of lamps, Vedic chants and devotional slogans created a spiritually vibrant atmosphere at the venue.

A grand Shiv Baraat was another major attraction on the first day of the festival. Beautiful tableaux depicting the wedding procession of Lord Shiva and performances by artists captivated the devotees. The venue reverberated with chants of “Har Har Mahadev” and “Ganpati Bappa Morya” during the procession, adding to the festive spirit.

The Atharv Band subsequently raised the enthusiasm of the gathering with its musical performance. One of the biggest attractions of the opening day was the performance by renowned devotional singer Hansraj Raghuwanshi. The entire pandal came alive as devotees enjoyed his Shiva and devotional songs and joined in the celebrations.

Haryana Cabinet Ministers Krishan Kumar Bedi and Rajesh Nagar also attended the first day of the Ganesh Mahotsav, sought the blessings of Ganpati Bappa and added to the grandeur of the occasion with their presence. The guests offered prayers and worshipped Lord Ganesha, wishing peace, prosperity and happiness for the people of Haryana.

Speaking on the occasion, Haryana Cabinet Minister Vipul Goel said Ganesh Mahotsav was not merely a religious event but a celebration of Sanatan culture, social unity and collective faith. Ganpati Bappa is regarded as the remover of obstacles and the bringer of auspiciousness, he said, adding that the festival conveys a message of love, harmony, positivity and service to society.

Goel said the three-day Ganesh Mahotsav, being organised from September 14 to 16, 2026, aimed to connect as many people as possible with India’s cultural and spiritual traditions. He extended his heartfelt welcome and gratitude to all the guests, artists, devotees, volunteers and supporters associated with the festival.

Pallavi Goel also paid her respects to Ganpati Bappa and prayed for the happiness, prosperity and well-being of all devotees. The enthusiasm and overwhelming participation of devotees on the opening day gave the festival a grand and vibrant character, with the venue remaining immersed in devotion, music and celebration throughout the day.

Various religious, spiritual and cultural programmes will continue during the remaining days of the Ganesh Mahotsav, with performances by renowned artists from across the country scheduled as part of the celebrations.