Raghunath Chowk, nestled inside the bustling Rampura jewellery market of Kota, becomes a focal point of intense devotion during the annual Ganesh Chaturthi festivities. Revered locally as Nagar Seth Maharaj, the deity is enthroned on a majestic seat right in the middle of the gold and silver commercial quarter. Throughout the ten days of the festival, the venue witnesses an uninterrupted flow of worshippers from early morning until late into the night, drawn by regular prayers, rituals, and traditional hymns.
Extensive Preparations Commencing Two Months in Advance
Organizing a gathering of this scale requires detailed logistical coordination that begins nearly two months prior to the celebrations. A dedicated workforce comprising over 150 volunteers from the Ganpati Seva Samiti assumes complete responsibility for the pandal. These members manage every critical operation, ranging from stage decoration, ceremonial offerings, and crowd management to safe transit and regular distribution of holy offerings. A grand maha aarti ceremony held during the celebration draws residents from diverse neighbourhoods across the city of Kota.
Valuable Offerings Presented Upon Fulfilled Vows
Highlighting the spiritual significance of the shrine, Ganpati Seva Samiti president Vishal Sahu explained, "Devotees come to the court of Nagar Seth Maharaj with their wishes." As per traditional practice, once these heartfelt wishes are realized, worshippers return to offer items crafted from gold and silver according to their means. The deity is adorned with several exquisite gifts, including a pure gold forehead tilak and golden teeth provided by grateful devotees.
Over the years, the treasury of offerings has expanded to include a silver crown, garland, ceremonial modak, coconut, trishul, battle axe, foot bracelets, waistbands, neck chains, sacred whisk fans, and a lamp for the eternal flame. Devotees have also presented a silver platter along with a five-vessel utensil set, ear ornaments, and diverse liturgical articles. Following a recently held grand prayer session, the Balaji Masale family formally pledged to donate silver hands for the idol, leading to their felicitations at the shrine. Earlier, Ashok Restaurant had also announced a similar offering of silver hands to the deity.
