Amaravati, 14 September (H.S.): Andhra Pradesh Governor S Abdul Nazeer, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and YSR Congress Party president YS Jagan Mohan Reddy on Monday extended greetings to the people of the State on the occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi.

Governor Nazeer said Ganesh Chaturthi was an important festival celebrated with devotion and gaiety with the participation of family members. He conveyed his greetings to the people of Andhra Pradesh on the occasion of Vinayaka Chavithi and wished that Lord Vigneswara bless everyone with peace, prosperity and harmony.

Chief Minister Naidu also extended his heartfelt greetings to the people on the occasion. He said Ganesh Chaturthi was celebrated with devotion in households and on a large scale by people across villages, colonies, towns and cities.

Naidu said the festival brought people from different sections of society together and reflected the spirit of social harmony. He wished that the blessings of Lord Vigneshwara brought happiness and prosperity to every family.

The Chief Minister also appealed to people to uphold cultural traditions while giving importance to environmental protection. He called for the use of clay idols of Lord Ganesha as part of environmentally responsible celebrations.

Naidu prayed that Lord Ganesh bless the efforts being made by the State government for the welfare of the people and development of Andhra Pradesh and ensure that the State faced no obstacles in its progress.

Jagan Mohan Reddy also extended his greetings to the people of Andhra Pradesh on the occasion of Vinayaka Chavithi. He wished that the blessings and grace of Lord Vigneshwara, who is regarded as the remover of obstacles, and Siddhivinayaka, who bestows success, remain with everyone.

Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated with devotees installing Ganesha idols at homes and public pandals and offering prayers and conducting special rituals. Community and cultural programmes are also organised at several places during the festival.

The celebrations generally continue for several days and culminate with the immersion of Ganesha idols in water bodies on Anant Chaturdashi.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Indrani Sarkar