Pune: The city has come alive with the festive spirit as Shreemant Dagdusheth Ganpati made a grand entrance today, marking the start of the much-awaited Ganeshotsav.

Devotees eagerly awaited the arrival of their beloved Lord Ganesha, and the day finally came when the grand procession of Pune’s most cherished deity, Shreemant Dagdusheth Ganpati, began with full pomp and splendor.

The grand procession, led by a majestic Lion Chariot adorned with beautiful flowers, made its way through the streets of Pune, accompanied by the beats of traditional dhol-tasha drums.

The sounds of "Morya Morya" filled the air as the procession moved toward the famous Jatoli Shiv Temple, where the idol of Dagdusheth Ganpati got placed.

Thousands of devotees gathered to witness the event, adding to the atmosphere of devotion and celebration. The streets surrounding the Dagdusheth temple were filled with flags and banners, as well as the chants and cheers of Lord Ganesha's devotees. Various dhol groups performed enthusiastically, creating a mesmerizing musical backdrop for the celebration.

This year, the Shreemant Dagdusheth Halwai Sarvajanik Ganpati Trust, in collaboration with Suvarnayug Tarun Mandal, undertook the ambitious task of constructing a replica of the Jatoli Shiv Temple from Himachal Pradesh.

Known as the tallest Shiv temple in Asia, the replica is a stunning sight to behold, measuring 125 feet in length, 50 feet in width, and 111 feet in height. Constructed using fiber, the replica is designed to reflect the grandeur of the original temple, located in the foothills of the Himalayas.

The arrival of Dagdusheth Ganpati marks the beginning of Pune’s most iconic festival, and as always, the excitement and devotion among the people are palpable. The Ganeshotsav festivities are expected to draw in thousands of devotees over the coming days.