Memories of the first public Ganeshotsav started by Lokmanya Tilak were relived at Vinchurkarwada here on Thursday, where 200-odd schoolchildren heard the story of this historical building. History enthusiast Mandar Lavate interacted with the children.

The event was organised by city-based groups Sevamitra, Vidhayak and Lokmanya Tilak Pratham Prasthapit Ganapati Trust with students form Shushilabai Veerkar High School and Perugate Bhave School. “This is the fourth year of such event, where we introduce the new generation to the historical buildings and their significance. Last year, we had organised a trip to Bhau Rangari Ganapati - the first public Ganapati installed by Tilak,” said Anand Saraf, one of the organisers.

Lavate revealed how Lokmanya Tilak revived the festival to make people aware of the Independence struggle. “Lokmanya Tilak started the tradition of public Ganeshotsav in the year 1893. During the first year, three Ganapati idols were consecrated at Bhau Rangari, Khasgiwale and Ghotavadekar. Between 1894 and 1902, Tilak started the festival at Vinchurkarwada. The wada also was the centre of revolutionary activities during the freedom struggle.”

Tilak stayed in Vinchurkarwada for 14 years. During the festive season of Ganeshotsav, he gave lectures to awaken people against British. This 150-year-old wada witnessed the meeting of Swami Vivekanand and Lokmanya Tilak in June 1892.

The objective behind this trip was to present history to students in an inspiring manner to make them view Ganeshotsav in a constructive way.