Lucknow: Aminabad ke Raja meets devotees from a swing with Covid protocols

LUCKNOW: The ‘raja’ has arrived and the 24-odd members belonging to Shri Ganesh Utsav Mandal (Aminabad) have immersed themselves in various activities to celebrate their Ganpati, fondly known as ‘Aminabad ke Raja’.
The eco-friendly idol is sitting on a grand swing, swinging to and fro, as devotees come and pay their obeisance. Temperatures and masks are checked before devotees enter the temple premises.

The committee members say this year feels different not only because of the pandemic, but also because this is the 31st year of organising Ganesh Chaturthi in the bylanes of Aminabad.
“We had plans to celebrate the festival in a bigger way, but Covid stalled our plans. We feel blessed though that we have been able to welcome ‘Baappa’ and organise a small affair,” said Atul Awasthi, organiser of the festival.
In 1990, a group of 10-12 people came together under the leadership of Tanhaji Rao, a Maharashtrian trader who worked in a gold and silver refinery, to start Ganesh Chaturthi in the city. At that time, Lucknow was aloof to the festival as only a handful of Ganpati Puja pandals used to happen.
“When Tanhaji began propagating the idea of organising such a festival, the residents of Aminabad hailed it as ‘Bambaiya tyohar’ (a festival of Bombay). But with a little persuasion, people joined in and the festival gained momentum. A few years down the line, Tanhaji and his family moved to Indore and later he passed away, giving me and the other members the responsibility of carrying forward his legacy,” he added.
Now, Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations have undergone various changes. Now, there is a theme around the festival every year. Today, the idol is around 4ft high and the festival is celebrated over seven days.
What hasn’t changed is the way members of the community see themselves as one big family which transcends itself to a nuclear household.
“What started off with funding of just Rs 25 now sees donations in thousands. The admiration and support of devotees and keeps us going. Next year, we hope to welcome Baappa in the biggest way possible,” he added.