Sarvajanik Ganesh Utsav and Lokmanya Tilak (1908–1914)

Abstract

Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak a great freedom fighter and a social reformist took various steps to create an awakening among the people. His four fold pillars-Swarajya, Swadeshi, Boycott and National Education laid down the foundation of Swaraj. The Britishers addressed him as the Father of Unrest. He propagated Swarajya through various means like gathering of people from all strata of society for cultural celebrations like Sarvajanik Ganesh Utsav and Shiv Jayanti. He considered this as the best platform to communicate with all the people. This paper gives a brief overview of the historical background of this festival along with various restrictions imposed by British Government to curb the movement of Swarajya which was being propagated through this Utsav. The present paper tries to bring out the role of Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak in encouraging people to celebrate Sarvajink Ganesh Utsav and it also reflects the setbacks received after his imprisonment for celebration of this festival.