Team Goemkarponn
MORMUGAO: In a heartwarming display of unity and togetherness, the Ganesh Chaturthi celebration at the Mesta family residence in Murgao Avenue building witnessed a moving moment when a young Muslim boy, Owais Mehboob Shaikh, performed the Ganapati Aarti and Puja with devotion. The gesture was welcomed by the family and community members alike, reflecting how festivals can truly transcend religious boundaries and bring people together.
For years, Ganesh Chaturthi has stood as a festival of faith, tradition, and family bonding. Yet, this instance highlighted something even deeper — the spirit of inclusiveness. The sight of Owais offering prayers before Lord Ganesha alongside members of the Mesta family served as a reminder that festivals are not meant to divide but to unite.
Speaking on the occasion, host Sachin Mesta said that the essence of Ganeshotsav lies in its universal message. “Ganeshotsav is a festival of unity, faith, and respect for tradition. Every devotee may express devotion in different ways, but what matters most is the shraddha and bhav (faith and feeling) with which it is done,” he said.
He further stressed that festivals should never be reduced to a platform for creating divides. “Let us avoid dividing opinions or questioning intentions. Instead, let’s remember that Ganpati Bappa teaches us samata (equality), bhakti (devotion), and maitri (brotherhood). When puja is done with a pure heart — whether simple or with full vidhi-vidhan — Bappa always accepts it,” Mesta added.
The participation of Owais in the Aarti was widely appreciated by neighbors and well-wishers, who said it represented the rich fabric of Goan culture where people of different communities have always lived in peace and harmony. Locals observed that in a time when divisions are often highlighted, such moments of shared celebrations send a strong message of communal unity.
“Festivals should bring communities together, not create negativity,” Mesta remarked, underlining the significance of brotherhood in a diverse society.
The event at Murgao Avenue became more than just a family Ganeshotsav celebration; it became a beacon of hope, showcasing that when devotion is guided by purity of heart, it bridges divides and strengthens the bonds of friendship and respect.
As chants of “Ganpati Bappa Morya” echoed through the gathering, it was evident that the festival’s true spirit had been captured — one of harmony, inclusivity, and the reaffirmation of timeless values.
