Who popularised Ganesh Chaturthi as a public celebration in the late 19th century?

Traditional roots:
Ganesh Chaturthi had long been celebrated privately in homes and temples across Maharashtra and other regions.
Tilak’s role:
In 1893, freedom fighter Bal Gangadhar Tilak transformed Ganesh Chaturthi into a public festival.
He saw it as a way to unite people across caste and class lines under a common cultural and religious identity.
Public gatherings during the festival provided a platform for nationalist ideas and helped strengthen the freedom movement against British colonial rule.
Impact:
Ganesh Chaturthi became not just a religious festival but also a social and political movement.
It fostered unity and collective identity among Indians, which was crucial during the independence struggle.
So, the answer is Bal Gangadhar Tilak.