Pune: The city of Pune is all set to bid a heartfelt farewell to Lord Ganesha with great pomp and celebration. As the auspicious day of Anant Chaturdashi arrives, the prestigious and revered Ganpatis of Pune, including the Kasba, Tambdi Jogeshwari, Guruji Talim, Tulshibaug, and Kesariwada Ganpati Mandals, are ready for their immersion processions.

These mandals have prepared elaborately decorated chariots, palanquins, and other traditional vehicles, adding grandeur to the festive occasion.

The grand immersion procession will begin at 10:30 AM from Mandai, with floral tributes being offered to the Lokmanya Tilak statue. The first deity to embark on the journey will be the Kasba Ganpati, regarded as the ‘gramdaivat’ (patron deity) of Pune.

The Kasba Ganpati Mandal has prepared a traditional silver palanquin for this beloved deity. Following this, the Tambdi Jogeshwari Ganpati, also seated in a silver palanquin, will proceed through the city’s main roads, accompanied by enthusiastic devotees.

The third honorary Ganpati, from the Guruji Talim Mandal, will make its way through the streets on the spectacular ‘Surya’ chariot. The streets will be adorned with vibrant rangolis, and gulal will fill the air as the procession moves forward.

In a similar vein, the Tulshibaug Ganpati Mandal has opted for a grand ‘Jagannath Puri’ chariot, standing 32 feet tall and adorned with flowers. Volunteers will pull the chariot as part of a tradition reminiscent of the famous Jagannath Rath Yatra.

The fifth honorary deity, Kesariwada Ganpati, will be carried in a flower-laden palanquin. Accompanying the procession will be the magnificent ‘Mauli’ chariot, which boasts a majestic idol of Lord Vitthal, becoming a focal point of the celebrations.

One of the major highlights of the day will be the immersion of the revered Shreemant Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati. This year, the Ganpati will be seated in the specially designed ‘Umangmalaj’ chariot, inspired by the Jatoli Shiv Temple.

The chariot will feature a stunning depiction of Lord Shiva, with his flowing locks, trishul, damru, and a prominent Rudraksha. The immersion procession will begin at 4 PM, and the Mandal has ensured that all arrangements are in place for the grand occasion.

Not to be outdone, the Shreemant Bhausaheb Rangari Ganpati Trust will also host its traditional immersion procession, starting from the Lokmanya Tilak statue at 8 PM. The Ganpati will be carried in a beautifully illuminated peacock-feather-themed chariot, maintaining the grandeur of past years.

With dhol-tasha groups, flag bearers, and an enthusiastic crowd, Pune is ready for a grand and spectacular farewell to Lord Ganesha, keeping its age-old traditions alive.