Ganesh Chaturthi 2026: Shivraj Singh Chouhan brings Ganesh idol home in Bhopal
Synopsis
Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan marked Ganesh Chaturthi by bringing an idol home in Bhopal, as the festival unfolded across Madhya Pradesh with notable grandeur — including ₹7 crore gold ornaments and 1.25 lakh modaks at Indore's Khajrana temple, and a centuries-old inverted-swastika wish tradition at Ujjain's Chintaman Ganesh temple.
Key Takeaways
Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan visited a Bhopal market with his family on 14 September to bring home a Ganesh idol for Ganesh Chaturthi.
Chouhan shared a video message praying for an obstacle-free life for all, quoting the Sanskrit verse 'Nirvighnam Kuru Me Deva Sarva Karyeshu Sarvada' .
Indore's Khajrana Ganesh temple saw the idol adorned with gold ornaments worth ₹7 crore and an offering of 1.25 lakh modaks .
The 25-foot idol at Bada Ganpati temple received 101 kg of laddus ; a one-hour musical aarti is held every evening at 9 pm .
Ujjain's Chintaman Ganesh temple observed its tradition of devotees drawing an inverted swastika while making a wish, and an upright swastika after its fulfilment.
Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan joined Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations on 14 September by visiting a market in Bhopal with his family to purchase a Ganesh idol for installation and worship at his residence. The occasion marked the start of the festival across Madhya Pradesh, with homes, temples and decorated pandals witnessing special prayers, aarti and devotional gatherings.
Chouhan's Message to the Nation
Sharing his greetings through a video message, Chouhan invoked Lord Ganesha's blessings for an obstacle-free life for all. 'It is Ganesh Chaturthi. Lord Ganesha is arriving in every village, every city, and in the hearts of people across India. May His grace and blessings be showered upon everyone. Nirvighnam Kuru Me Deva Sarva Karyeshu Sarvada — may there be no obstacles or suffering in anyone's life,' he said. The minister also praised the participation of youth and children in the festival, describing their enthusiasm as a reflection of the deep-rooted devotion associated with Ganesh Utsav.
Grand Celebrations at Indore's Khajrana Ganesh Temple
In Indore, large numbers of devotees thronged the famous Khajrana Ganesh temple for special prayers and darshan. The presiding deity was adorned with gold ornaments valued at around ₹7 crore. Diamond-studded eyes were placed on the idol during the auspicious Brahma-muhurta on Sunday, while an offering of 1.25 lakh modaks was made as bhog, underscoring the scale of devotion at one of central India's most revered Ganesha shrines.
Highlights from Bada Ganpati and Ujjain
At the historic Bada Ganpati temple, the 25-foot-tall idol received special shringar, and around 101 kg of laddus were offered. A one-hour musical aarti is scheduled every evening at 9 pm throughout the festival period. In Ujjain, the Chintaman Ganesh temple upheld its distinctive tradition — devotees draw an inverted swastika while making a wish, returning to draw an upright swastika once the wish is fulfilled. Many also perform 'tuladan' with grains, laddus, and other prasad as offerings of gratitude.
Statewide Fervour Marks Start of Festival Season
Across Madhya Pradesh, the festival set the tone for days of aarti, bhajans, and community celebrations. Devotees sought Lord Ganesh's blessings for happiness, prosperity and freedom from obstacles. This year's observance follows a pattern of growing community participation in the state's public Ganesh Utsav, with pandals drawing both religious and cultural gatherings in urban and rural areas alike.
Point of View
Reflecting the BJP's consistent effort to be seen as the party most visibly aligned with Hindu festivals. The more substantive story, however, lies in the scale of temple celebrations: a ₹7 crore gold adornment at Khajrana and a 101-kg laddu offering at Bada Ganpati indicate that public religious spending in Madhya Pradesh is growing year-on-year. Whether that translates into deeper civic engagement or remains largely ceremonial is the question mainstream coverage rarely asks.
NationPress
14 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Shivraj Singh Chouhan do for Ganesh Chaturthi 2026?
Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan visited a market in Bhopal with his family on 14 September 2026 to purchase a Ganesh idol, which he brought home for installation and worship. He also shared a video message invoking Lord Ganesha's blessings for an obstacle-free life for all.
What was special about the Khajrana Ganesh temple celebrations in Indore?
The idol at Indore's Khajrana Ganesh temple was adorned with gold ornaments valued at around ₹7 crore, with diamond-studded eyes placed during Brahma-muhurta on Sunday. An offering of 1.25 lakh modaks was also made as bhog.
What is the unique tradition at Ujjain's Chintaman Ganesh temple?
Devotees at the Chintaman Ganesh temple in Ujjain draw an inverted swastika while making a wish to Lord Ganesha, and return to draw an upright swastika once the wish is fulfilled. Many also perform 'tuladan' with grains, laddus, and prasad as offerings of gratitude.
How was the Bada Ganpati temple in Indore celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi?
The 25-foot idol at Bada Ganpati temple received special shringar, with around 101 kg of laddus offered. A one-hour musical aarti is being held every evening at 9 pm throughout the festival period.
How is Ganesh Chaturthi being observed across Madhya Pradesh?
Across Madhya Pradesh, homes, temples, and decorated pandals are hosting special prayers, aarti, bhajans, and community celebrations. Devotees are seeking Lord Ganesh's blessings for happiness, prosperity, and freedom from obstacles.
