Pune: The Ranjangaon Mahaganpati Temple, one of the eight revered Ashtavinayak temples, is set to begin its traditional entrance procession on Wednesday (September 4), marking the start of the Bhadrapad Ganesh Festival.

The temple doors will open to devotees at around 3 AM, offering them a rare opportunity to participate in the early morning prayers and rituals.

For four days, from Wednesday through Saturday, devotees will have the unique privilege of touching and directly worshipping the idol of Lord Ganpati. This rare opportunity is expected to draw large crowds, as devotees seek blessings during this auspicious period.

The chief trustee, Omkar Dev, has announced that a series of religious and cultural events will be organized during the festival. These events are part of the temple's rich tradition, celebrating the Bhadrapad Ganeshotsav with devotion and enthusiasm.

One of the key highlights of the festival is the ceremonial procession, known as the "Dwar Yatra," where the sisters of Lord Mahaganpati, believed to reside in the four directions, are brought to the temple in a grand procession. This ancient tradition continues to be a significant aspect of the celebrations.

To accommodate the large number of devotees expected during the festival, the temple trust has made extensive arrangements. These include a large tent for shade, drinking water facilities, a well-equipped parking area, and a special section for nursing mothers. The temple authorities are committed to ensuring that all devotees have a comfortable and spiritually fulfilling experience.

The festival will continue until Tuesday, September 10th, with a variety of religious, cultural, and traditional programs planned throughout the week. Devotees are encouraged to participate in these events and seek the blessings of Mahaganpati during this auspicious time.