Mumbai

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday urged people to opt for traditional Ganeshotsav celebrations with minimum pollution, as the 11-day festival began in the state amidst calls for restrictions on high-decibel sound systems.

Fadnavis welcomed Lord Ganesha at his official residence 'Varsha', and offered prayers for the state's farmers and appealed to citizens to minimise pollution during the festivities.

"May the vignaharta (the Lord who takes away sorrow) bring happiness. Our country, state, people and farmers get peace and prosperity. I urge people to keep pollution at minimum and celebrate the festival traditionally," he told reporters.

His statement came amid calls for a ban on the use of high-decibel DJ sound systems during the festive season.

READ MORE:Mizan – Towards a new Muslim imagination

Maharashtra Navnirman Sena president Raj Thackeray also welcomed a Ganesha idol at his Shivtirth residence in Dadar.