Team Herald
PANJIM: Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar, Governor Dr Mridula Sinha and Archbishop of Goa and Daman Fr Filipe Neri Ferrao have greeted the people of Goa on Ganesh Chaturthi.
In his message, the Chief Minister said that “Chovoth” has arrived. This is a special time in our State where families and friends come together and create an atmosphere of happiness to celebrate this auspicious occasion. Lord Ganesh is widely worshipped as the God of education, knowledge, wisdom, wealth and destroyer of evils and obstacles. Through his worship, we feel better about life, rising above the lower emotions of insecurity, fear, anger and jealousy and instead experience peace and contentment.
On this auspicious occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi, I extend my best wishes to all his devotees. May Lord Ganapati shower his blessings on the people of the State and may the festival bring peace, prosperity and happiness to all, he said.
The Chief Minister also appealed to the devotees to co-operate with the police in maintaining security and other arrangements during the festival across the State.
In her message, the Governor said that, religious, spiritual, social and cultural festivals have played a key role in promoting the overall unity and integrity of our great country and its secular characteristic. Ganesh Chaturthi is a most important festival celebrated by the people with great enthusiasm and religious fervour. Through these celebrations, we can strengthen the secular fabric of the nation and promote inter-religious understanding. Goa is a land of peace and communal harmony. We should maintain this rich tradition, the Governor added.
The Governor further said that Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations bring renewed peace, happiness and prosperity to everyone.
Archbishop of Goa and Daman Fr Filipe Neri Ferrao said, “We rejoice while seeing our Hindu brothers and sisters celebrating the joyous festival of Ganesh Chaturthi – a family festival bringing together their dear and near ones. On behalf of the Catholic community in this territory of Goa and on my own behalf, I express my joy and wish them all the blessings on this happy occasion.”
“Healthy family ties make for healthy social and community ties, which are all the more important in our culture of globalisation, brought about chiefly by the modern means of communication. This culture has brought benefits in terms of educational and healthcare facilities, greater awareness of democracy and social justice. We pray that, inspired by this festival which lifts the mind towards the transcendent – signified by one foot of the deity lifted high – the high values of God may prevail upon all,” he added.
