Answer

Introduction

In 1893, Bal Gangadhar Tilak reshaped Ganesh Chaturthi from a private household ritual into the Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav, a public festival. This innovation not only bypassed colonial restrictions on political gatherings but also turned a cultural tradition into a platform for collective assertion and nationalist unity, marking a new phase in India’s freedom struggle.

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Tilak transformed the Ganapati festival into a platform for political mobilization as 

• From Private to Public : In 1893, he converted Ganesh Chaturthi into a collective celebration in public spaces.
  Eg: Establishment of Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav in Pune.
• Inclusivity Across Classes : By moving it out of homes, the festival involved artisans, peasants, traders, and lower castes.
  Eg: Expansion of participation beyond Brahmins to all sections of society.
• Cultural Nationalism : Linking devotion to Ganesha with pride in Indian heritage, Tilak sought to cultivate national consciousness.
  Eg: Symbolism of Ganesha as “remover of obstacles” for India’s freedom.
• Safe Cover for Politics : As a religious gathering, the festival escaped colonial suppression while serving as a platform for speeches and debate.
• Community Revival : The festival provided opportunities for local theatre, music, and folk art, blending culture with politics.
• Counter to Elite Nationalism : Tilak’s approach shifted nationalism from English-educated elites to popular masses awakening.
  

Shortcomings of Mobilising Ganesh Chaturthiui as platform for Political Mobilization 

• Religious Overtones in Politics: Critics felt politicising a religious festival blurred religion and politics, fostering communal rather than secular nationalism.
• Exclusionary Tendencies: Ganesh Chaturthi united Hindus but risked alienating Muslims and other communities from the nationalist movement.
• Risk of Communal Tensions: Political processions during Ganesh Chaturthi sometimes sparked communal clashes, undermining inclusive unity.
• Undermining Reformist Agendas:Reformers like Gokhale feared religious platforms would sideline progressive issues like education, social justice, and caste reform.

Conclusion

Thus by linking religious devotion with political awakening, Tilak created a mass-based platform that nurtured unity, resilience, and early nationalist spirit. While not free from criticism, it marked a decisive step in shifting India’s freedom struggle from petitions to popular mobilization and cultural assertion.

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