In the Sangli district of Maharashtra, a unique celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi has been taking place for over four decades. In Gotkhindi village, Lord Ganesh’s idol is placed inside a mosque every year during the ten-day festival. This practice, which began in 1980, has become a powerful symbol of communal harmony.
The tradition continues peacefully, with members of both Hindu and Muslim communities participating equally in the festival. It highlights how faith and unity can overcome divisions, creating an atmosphere of mutual respect and brotherhood.
The Beginning of a Unique Tradition in 1980
Local Ganesh Mandal founder Ashok Patil explained that the tradition started in 1980. That year, heavy rainfall forced villagers to find a safe place for the Ganesh idol. Members of both Hindu and Muslim communities jointly decided to place the idol inside the mosque in Gotkhindi village.
Since then, the practice has continued every year without interruption. The New Ganesh Tarun Mandal, established in the same year at Jhunjhar Chowk in Gotkhindi, became the organizer of the annual festival. The idol remains inside the mosque for the full ten days of Ganesh Chaturthi before being immersed in a local water body on Anant Chaturdashi.
A Village of Harmony
Gotkhindi has a population of around 15,000. Among them are about 100 Muslim families. Despite the presence of different religious groups, the village has remained free from communal tension that has sometimes affected other parts of the country.
Ashok Patil shared that Muslims are also members of the Ganesh Mandal. They help prepare offerings, participate in rituals, and assist in festival arrangements. Their contribution ensures that the event belongs to the entire community rather than one religious group.
This spirit of cooperation reflects the shared heritage of the village, where harmony has been preserved for generations.
Active Participation by the Muslim Community
The role of Muslims in the celebration goes beyond passive support. They actively take part in cooking prasad, organizing decorations, and managing the crowds during the ten-day festival.
Patil recalled one particular year when Ganesh Chaturthi coincided with Bakrid. In a remarkable gesture, Muslims in the village chose to observe their festival by only offering prayers and refrained from animal sacrifice. This decision was made to respect the sentiments of their Hindu neighbors.
He added that many Muslim families also avoid eating meat during major Hindu festivals as a sign of solidarity. These acts of respect and compromise have strengthened trust between communities in Gotkhindi.
Ganesh Idol Inside the Mosque
Placing the idol of Lord Ganesh inside a mosque is an extraordinary practice. For ten days, the sacred space of worship for Muslims becomes a shared venue for Hindus as well.
The arrangement has never caused friction because it was born out of necessity and sustained by trust. Villagers see the practice as a reminder that spaces of worship should unite people rather than divide them.
Every year, police officials and the local tehsildar are invited for the idol installation ceremony. Their presence underscores the importance of the festival as a symbol of social unity.
Ten Days of Celebration and Final Immersion
The festival begins with the installation of the idol on Ganesh Chaturthi. For ten days, prayers, cultural programs, and community gatherings take place inside the mosque courtyard.
The festival concludes on Anant Chaturdashi with a grand procession. The idol is carried through the streets of Gotkhindi before being immersed in a nearby water reservoir. The immersion marks the end of the celebrations but also renews the commitment of the community to continue this tradition of unity.
A Message of Social Harmony
Ashok Patil emphasized that the entire country should learn from Gotkhindi. At a time when religious divisions can create tension, the village stands as an example of peace and brotherhood.
He pointed out that communal harmony is not just about tolerance but about participation. In Gotkhindi, Muslims and Hindus do not simply coexist; they celebrate together, respect each other’s traditions, and adapt their own practices when needed.
This model of cooperation is seen as a lesson for India and beyond.
Inspiration Beyond Religion
The Gotkhindi tradition is more than a local story. It is often cited as an example of India’s pluralistic spirit, where multiple faiths live together without conflict.
The festival shows how religious practices can be inclusive. By choosing to continue the tradition, villagers reaffirm their belief that cultural heritage belongs to everyone.
It also highlights the adaptability of festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi, which can transcend traditional boundaries and bring people together in new ways.
The Role of New Generations
One of the most remarkable aspects of the Gotkhindi festival is that younger generations continue to uphold the tradition. Children from Hindu and Muslim families grow up participating in the same celebrations, learning values of unity and respect from an early age.
The involvement of youth ensures that the tradition will not fade with time. Instead, it is passed on as a legacy of communal harmony.
This Year’s Festival
In 2025, the Ganesh festival in Gotkhindi began on August 27. As in previous years, the idol was installed inside the mosque with blessings from both communities. The celebrations are expected to continue for ten days, ending with the immersion on Anant Chaturdashi.
The event will again showcase the values of Gotkhindi to visitors, officials, and anyone who learns about the story.
The Ganesh festival celebrated inside a mosque in Gotkhindi is not just a tradition but a message. It shows that communities can share space, faith, and culture without conflict.
Started in 1980 out of necessity, the practice has now become a proud symbol of harmony. Hindus and Muslims in Gotkhindi demonstrate year after year that mutual respect can overcome differences.
At a time when divisions often dominate headlines, this village in Sangli district shines as an example of how festivals can unite rather than separate. The tradition of Ganesh Chaturthi inside a mosque stands as a beacon of peace, cooperation, and humanity.
