Pune: Amid the resounding beats of traditional dhol-tasha and the melodious tunes of devotional songs, Pune ushered in the auspicious festival of Ganesh Chaturthi with great fanfare on Saturday (September 7).
The city's renowned "Manache Ganpati" mandals, revered as the epitome of the festival, ceremonially installed their idols at precise auspicious times, marking the beginning of the 11-day long festivities.
Despite intermittent rain showers, the spirits of the volunteers, performers, and devotees remained high, showcasing the city's undying love and devotion for Lord Ganesha.
Various Ganesh mandals across the city organized vibrant processions on traditional routes, creating a festive atmosphere. The city was alive with the sounds of bands, drums, and traditional instruments, as well as the enthusiastic participation of devotees dressed in traditional attire.
In households, the idols were installed in a joyous and vibrant atmosphere, setting the tone for the days to come. The city markets thronged with people buying ritualistic items like garlands, flowers, and sacred leaves, emphasizing the collective devotion and preparation for the festival.
Shri Kasba Ganpati: The "Manacha Pahila Ganpati"
The Kasba Ganpati, considered the foremost among Pune's Ganpati idols, had its installation procession begin at 8:15 am from the festival pavilion.
The idol, created by Abhijit Dhondphale, traveled through significant landmarks before being placed in a traditional silver palanquin. The installation ceremony was conducted by Swami Adrushya Kadisiddheshwar of Siddhagiri Math at 11:37 am, marking the ceremonial completion of the ritual.
The procession featured vibrant performances by Prabhat Band, Sangharsh, Shriram Pathak, and Shaurya Dhol-Tasha Pathak, leading the way with their energetic displays.
Shri Tambadi Jogeshwari: Honoring the Second Ganpati
Shri Tambadi Jogeshwari, the second honored idol, was installed by Swami Govinddev Giri at 12:11 pm. The idol's procession began at 10 am, moving through key points in the city.
The idol was placed in a silver palanquin amid chants of “Mangalmurti Moraya,” emphasizing the reverence and dedication of the devotees. The procession was highlighted by traditional drum performances, and vibrant participation from New Gandharva Brass Band, Shivmudra, and other cultural troupes.
Shri Guruji Talim: A Celebration of Youth and Tradition
Shri Guruji Talim, the third revered idol, was installed in an ornate fiberglass Gajmahal by entrepreneurs Puneet Balan and Janhvi Dharival-Balan.
The procession, featuring grand floral decorations, began at 10:30 am and traversed traditional routes before reaching the festival pavilion. The installation at 1:31 pm was marked by the vibrant performances of Jayant Nagarkar’s drumming troupe, Ashwaraj Brass Band, and other traditional groups, showcasing a blend of youth energy and cultural heritage.
Tulshibaug Ganpati: A Tribute to the Sacred Temples of Odisha
The fourth honored idol, Tulshibaug Ganpati, was installed in a replica of Odisha's Jagannath Temple by businessman Krishnakumar Goyal at 12:30 pm. The procession, featuring Lord Ram in a palanquin, was a blend of tradition and devotion, with drum performances and cultural displays adding to the grandeur. The idol's journey through the city was marked by enthusiastic participation from various troupes, culminating in a grand installation ceremony.
Kesariwada Ganpati: Embracing the Legacy of Lokmanya Tilak
The procession for the Kesariwada Ganpati, the fifth honored idol, began at 9:30 am from Ramanbagh Chowk, and included vibrant drum performances that filled the atmosphere with festive cheer.
The installation, carried out by Rohit Tilak at 11 am, was attended by prominent members of the Tilak family, reaffirming the historical legacy of the Kesari-Maratha Trust and its connection to the festival.
Bhausaheb Rangari Ganpati: A Musical Tribute by Kailash Kher
Renowned singer Kailash Kher performed the installation of the Shrimant Bhausaheb Rangari Ganpati at 12:30 pm, following a vibrant procession that began at 8:10 am.
The procession featured martial arts, cultural performances, and traditional music, underscoring the festive spirit and community participation. The ceremony concluded with a tribute to Kailash Kher by the festival head, Puneet Balan, celebrating the cultural confluence of music and devotion.
Akhil Mandai Mandal: Honoring Tradition in a Floral Spectacle
Akhil Mandai Mandal’s Sharada Gajanana idol was carried in a floral trident-drum chariot, drawing the attention of the city. The procession included notable traditional bands and drum troupes, and the installation was performed by Dr. Parag Kalkar and Anjali Kalkar in an ancient Shiva temple replica. The event highlighted the mandal’s dedication to preserving cultural heritage.
Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati: A Grand Installation in Himachal’s Temple Replica
The installation of the Shrimant Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati idol took place in a replica of Himachal Pradesh's Jatoli Shiva Temple, conducted by Shri Gyanraj Maharaj Manikprabhu at 11:11 am.
The procession, which began at 8:30 am, featured a grand lion chariot and a host of traditional musical performances, drawing large crowds of devotees.
The installation was marked by a massive turnout, with devotees thronging for darshan and offering sacred garlands, underscoring the enduring appeal of Pune's most famous Ganpati mandal.