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Bhopal’s Enduring Ganesh Worship Spans Ancient Shrines And Public Festivals

Bhopal has celebrated Lord Ganesha for many generations.

The city has several old Ganesha shrines and idols.

One famous temple is in Sehore, where people believe the idol appeared on its own.

Another very old idol is carved into a cave at Udayagiri Hills near Vidisha.

Bhopal’s first large public Ganesh celebration was held in 1947.

Before then, families mostly celebrated the festival privately.

Traders and freedom fighters helped bring the festival into public squares.

Today, many people worship an idol called Bhopal Ke Raja.

The idols are immersed in the water twice during the celebrations.

Key facts

First public celebration: September 18, 1947, at Peepal Chowk in Bhopal
Public idol: The first public Ganapati idol was installed at Peepal Chowk
Ancient idol: The Ganesha idol at Cave Number Six of Udayagiri Hills dates to the Gupta Empire
Historical date: An inscription at Udayagiri dates the site to 401 CE during Chandragupta II’s reign
Festival immersions: Bhopal conducts idol immersions on both Dol Gyaras and Anant Chaturdashi
Bhopal Ke Raja: The idol is decorated with more than 100 kilograms of silver ornaments
Major immersion site: Thousands gather on the banks of the Upper Lake for immersion rituals

freepressjournal.in · 1 hr ago