Q. Who popularized Ganesh Chaturthi as a public festival in Maharashtra?
Answer: Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak
Notes: Lokmanya Tilak made Ganesh Chaturthi a public festival in 1893 in Maharashtra to unite Hindus against British colonial rule, promoting community gatherings. This transformed a private family celebration into a large-scale social and religious event, boosting social cohesion and nationalistic spirit during colonial suppression.