Pune: In a grand show of devotion and feminine power, over 35,000 women gathered in the early hours of Rishi Panchami to recite the Atharvashirsha in honor of Lord Ganesha.
Organized by the Shreemant Dagdusheth Halwai Public Ganpati Trust in collaboration with Suvarnayug Tarun Mandal, the event marked the 132nd year of the festival. Women from across Maharashtra, including Pune, Mumbai, Kolhapur, and Nashik, flocked to the Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati pavilion, creating an electrifying spiritual atmosphere.
The gathering, which began as early as 1 a.m., saw women dressed in traditional attire arriving from all directions. The event opened with the sacred blowing of the conch, followed by chants of Omkar and devotional songs dedicated to awakening Lord Ganesha.
As the main highlight, the mass recitation of the Atharvashirsha resonated throughout the festival grounds, with women raising their hands in reverence, clapping, and chanting “Morya, Morya!” in unison.
The energy and enthusiasm of the participants were palpable, with every face radiating devotion. The event, now in its 39th year, has become a prominent tradition on Rishi Panchami, where women gather to honor Lord Ganesha through collective recitation and prayer.
The entire event area, from the Dagdusheth Ganpati pavilion to the Nana Wada precinct, was filled with women participating in this spiritual act. The event concluded with a grand aarti, offering a serene and soulful end to a powerful devotional gathering.
This year, the Atharvashirsha recitation garnered attention from India Star World Records, with Dr. Deepak Harke presenting a certificate to the Trust in recognition of the remarkable feat. Furthermore, the event was also recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records for its record-breaking participation.
Renowned literary figure Dr. Aruna Dhere, who attended the event, expressed her admiration for the women’s participation. She emphasized the importance of wisdom as the true power and encouraged women to awaken their inner strength in today’s changing times.
"Wisdom and thought guide every action, and today’s gathering shows how women are seeking wisdom from Lord Ganesha in large numbers," she remarked.