पालघर जिल्ह्यातील उर्से गावात ५४ वर्षांपासून 'एक गाव, एक गणपती'ची...

By GT24x7 Reporter · 16 September 2026 · GlobalToday24x7

While the arrival of Ganeshutsav brings widespread religious festivities across Maharashtra, Urse village in Palghar district stands out for its communal unity and disciplined celebration. For the past 54 consecutive years, the village has practiced the concept of "One Village, One Ganpati, One Idol." Situated along the banks of the Surya River and bordered by hilly terrain, the settlement of approximately 3,000 residents—principally comprising Kunbi and tribal communities—continues to celebrate the festival collectively without a single individual household idol.

The shared tradition originated in 1973, when community elders and local youth resolved to reinforce communal cohesion by establishing the Dhananjay Kala, Krida, and Sanskrutik Mandal. Since the collective public Gauri-Ganeshutsav was established that year, every family in the village has participated under a single umbrella, pooling resources and organizing celebrations collaboratively.

Fort Conservation and Eco-Friendly Focus Local youth manage the decorative and technical arrangements for the pandal, traditionally choosing annual themes grounded in cultural heritage or contemporary social issues:

* Heritage Conservation Theme: For the 2026 festival, youth volunteers designed a detailed exhibition highlighting the preservation and restoration of historic hill forts associated with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, encouraging the public to protect regional architectural heritage. * Eco-Friendly Materials: In keeping with local sustainability practices, the decor and structural displays rely heavily on natural, biodegradable components rather than non-recyclable materials. * Consolidated Household Participation: By avoiding multiple parallel pandals or separate domestic installations, the initiative significantly curbs festive expenditures, avoids excessive noise pollution, and eliminates logistical strains on civic infrastructure.

A Template for Communal Solidarity Beyond Ganeshutsav, residents of Urse routinely coordinate religious observances, cultural gatherings, and village development drives collectively. At a time when festivals often see fragmented, high-decibel neighborhood celebrations, the 54-year sustained tradition in Urse village serves as an inspiring rural model of environmental stewardship, youth engagement, and grassroots social solidarity.