Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Thursday, 17 September 2026, participated in the Maha Aarti at the 'Vastrapur na Maha Ganpati' Ganeshotsav near Vastrapur Lake in Ahmedabad, where an eight-foot clay idol of Lord Ganesha has been installed inside a pandal modelled on the theme of the Kashi Ghats. The visit by senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders underscored the political and cultural significance of the 41-year-old annual celebration, organised by Sardar Patel Sevadal.

Key Developments at Vastrapur Ganeshotsav

Home Minister Shah and Chief Minister Patel visited the pandal, offered prayers to Lord Ganesha for the well-being of citizens, performed the Maha Aarti, and inspected the festival arrangements. The Kashi Ghat-themed décor drew appreciation from both leaders. Ahmedabad Mayor Hitesh Barot, City BJP President Prerak Shah, Corporation Water Committee Chairman Dharamshi Desai, and a large number of residents were also present at the venue.

Welfare Impact: Riddhi-Siddhi Pregnant Women Scheme

A standout feature of the Vastrapur Ganeshotsav is its social-welfare dimension. According to the organisers, surplus funds collected during the festival are channelled into the 'Riddhi-Siddhi Pregnant Women Scheme'. The initiative has so far distributed more than 15,000 nutritious kits to pregnant women, with cumulative spending exceeding ₹1 crore on such assistance. The model — converting festive fundraising into targeted community welfare — has drawn attention as a replicable template for religious organisations.

CM Patel's Visit to Memnagar Celebrations

Earlier in the day, Chief Minister Patel also attended Ganeshotsav celebrations in his own Ghatlodia Assembly constituency, visiting the Ganesh pandal of Tarun Nagar-2 in Memnagar. He offered prayers, participated in the Aarti, and appreciated the theme and decorations at the site. Notably, a rangoli depicting the face of Prime Minister Narendra Modi had been created at the Memnagar venue to mark his birthday, with lamps lit alongside the artwork. Chief Minister Patel viewed the rangoli and greeted attendees, also interacting with children present at the pandal.

The Ganeshotsav's Significance in Ahmedabad

The Vastrapur celebration has been held continuously for 41 years, making it one of Ahmedabad's longest-running Ganeshotsav events. The festival is known for its annually changing themes, distinctive idol attire, and elaborate decorations, all of which draw residents from across the city. This comes amid a broader wave of Ganeshotsav festivities across Gujarat and the rest of the country during the ten-day celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi.

With the immersion ceremony still ahead, civic and political leaders are expected to remain actively engaged in the remaining days of the festival.