Context

• The festival of Ganesh Chaturthi, celebrated with enthusiasm across the country, is a vivid example of how faith, culture, and collective spirit can unite people across regional and social divides.
• However, in modern times, even festivals can become the subject of controversy, as seen in recent debates over the celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi by India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud.
• This incident highlights not just the deep cultural traditions of the nation but also how personal and institutional interactions are perceived in today's political climate.

Significance of Ganesh Chaturthi and Transformation of the Festival into a Public Celebration

• Historical and Cultural Roots of Ganesh Chaturthi
  • Ganesh Chaturthi’s origins can be traced back to ancient India, where it was celebrated in a more private, familial setting.
  • However, in the 19th century, the festival took on a new dimension during the Indian independence movement.
  • Bal Gangadhar Tilak, one of India’s foremost freedom fighters, transformed the celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi from a private ritual into a large public event.
  • His intent was to use the festival as a means to unite Indians across caste, religious, and regional lines in their common struggle against British colonial rule.
  • By bringing people together in public spaces for prayers, processions, and performances, Tilak envisioned the festival as a platform for social and political solidarity.
• Regional and National Celebrations: A Pan-Indian Festival
  • Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated with equal fervour from the bustling streets of Mumbai to the coastal temples of Tamil Nadu.
  • It is a truly pan-Indian festival, cutting across regional divides to engage millions of people across the country.
  • In Maharashtra, the state with the largest celebrations, large idols of Lord Ganesha are installed in public spaces, neighbourhoods, and homes.
  • These idols, often handcrafted and decorated elaborately, become the focal point of community prayers and gatherings.
  • Processions, music, dance, and community feasts are organised, with people from all walks of life participating in the festivities.
• Inclusivity Beyond Religion: A Social and Civic Occasion
  • One of the most remarkable aspects of Ganesh Chaturthi is its ability to transcend religious boundaries.
  • Though rooted in Hindu worship, the festival has evolved into a social and civic occasion where people from all religions and backgrounds participate in various aspects of the celebration.
  • The inclusivity of the festival is evident in the way neighbourhoods and communities organise events that welcome everyone, regardless of faith or cultural identity.

An Analysis of Institutional Integrity and Personal Relations

• Critics of the Modi-Chandrachud meeting argue that such interactions undermine democratic traditions or raise questions about institutional independence.
• However, these concerns overlook the rich history of personal interactions between Indian leaders, both judicial and executive.
• Historically, such relationships have not only existed but have often contributed to the better functioning of democracy.
• The late jurist Fali Nariman once remarked that Chief Justice M.C. Chagla of the Bombay High Court and then Chief Minister Morarji Desai used to meet regularly to discuss issues.
• Similarly, CJI Balakrishnan attended an Iftar party hosted by former PM Manmohan Singh without attracting controversy.

The Dangers of Politicising Personal Interactions

• Erosion of Public Trust in Democratic Institutions
  • Democracies are built on trust — trust in elected representatives, the judiciary, and the democratic processes that bind the system together.
  • The public relies on these institutions to function independently, maintaining a balance of power and ensuring that justice, governance, and law are upheld.
  • When personal interactions between the judiciary and executive are politicised, it erodes public trust in these very institutions.
• Undermining Democratic Functioning
  • Politicising personal interactions between members of the judiciary and executive can also weaken the functionality of democracy itself.
  • Democracy thrives on the principle of separation of powers, where the executive, legislature, and judiciary operate independently but must also interact and collaborate when necessary.
  • Interactions between these branches are not only normal but essential for the healthy functioning of governance.
  • However, when such interactions are framed as politically suspicious or morally dubious, they can lead to unnecessary friction between institutions.
  • This undermines the ability of leaders to engage in dialogue and resolve issues collaboratively.
• Creating Divisive Narratives and Social Polarisation
  • The politicisation of personal interactions is not just limited to institutional harm; it can also contribute to social polarisation.
  • When critics politicize moments of personal connection, especially during cultural or religious events like Ganesh Chaturthi, they exploit these moments to create divisive narratives that deepen societal rifts.
  • In India, where religious and cultural festivals often bring communities together, politicising such events only serves to alienate groups and amplify differences.
• Dehumanising Public Figures
  • By scrutinising the Ganesh Chaturthi celebration between the PM and the CJI, critics fail to recognise that, outside their roles as public figures, these individuals are human beings with personal traditions, faiths, and relationships.
  • The tendency to politicise their every action risk turning them into depersonalised figures whose every move is interpreted as a political calculation.
  • This process of dehumanisation disconnects leaders from the public, making it difficult for citizens to relate to or trust them on a personal level. 

Conclusion

• The celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi by PM Modi and CJI Chandrachud serves as a potent reminder of the strength of Indian democratic institutions and the importance of personal relationships in fostering a healthy democracy.
• Instead of questioning the integrity of such interactions, we should focus on celebrating the shared traditions that unite us.
• Festivals, after all, are meant to bring people together, and it is in this spirit that India can continue to thrive as a diverse, democratic nation.