गणेश उत्सव, पुणे

Ganeshutsav is one of the oldest and most celebrated festivals in Maharashtra specially in Pune. It was here in Pune where Bal Gangadhar Tilak transformed the household worshiping of Lord Ganesha into सार्वजनिक (Public) गणेश उत्सव. Since the starting of the festival five amongst the numerous Ganesh mandals are given special honour and are called मानाचे गणपती . They are as follows (in order of honour)

कसबा पेठ

Is the first Ganpati of honour in Pune. Since 1894, mandal is being in the first place in the procession. The Kasba Ganpati Utsav is celebrated without use of 'Gulal'. It is said that Shivaji Maharaja's mother Jijabai had put up the statue of Ganesh herself. On her behalf Dadoji Kondadev had put on a tent in front of the statue of Ganesh.

तांबडी जोगेश्वरी

Tambdi Jogeswari is the Second Ganpati of Honour in Pune. Established in the year 1887 Tambdi Jogeswari is one of the early established Ganesh Mandals.

गुरूजी तालीम

Guruji Talim the Third Ganpati of Honour in Pune. The Mandal was established in1887. This was the first mandal in Pune to celebrate its 100 years. This mandal existed even before the Ganesh festival had started.

तुळशीबाग

Tulshi Baug Ganpati is the Fourth Ganpati of honour in Pune. It was established in the year 1901. Peculiarity of this mandal is the Ganesh idol which is a new one every year. The size of the idol is about 13 feet in height. The idol is of fiber glass and the mandal pioneers in such kind of idol making.

केसरी वाडा

Kesari Wada is the Fifth Ganpati of Honour in Pune. The mandal organises various functions on festivals through out the year. Lokmanya Tilak had established the idol of Ganesh for this mandal in the year 1893. Every year famous artists perform in shows organised by the mandal.

(source for info: http://pune.gov.in/culture/pune%20festival.htm)

गणपती विसर्जन

After 10 day long celebrations finally its time to bid adieu to Lord Ganesha. The Visarjan Procession (विसर्जन मिरवणूक) is the most important event of this festival with lots of energy and fun. Sounds of Dhols and Tashas fill your ears and make you to dance on their tune. The procession of the five manache ganpati is a festival in itself. The procession which starts from the Laxmi road is highly organized and is a treat to watch. I recommend that if you happen to be in Pune during Ganesh festival do visit this procession.

गणपती विसर्जन मिरवणूक

बजा रे ताशा झांझा ढोल !!
गणपती बाप्पा मोरया बोल !!

गणपती बाप्पा मोरया !!
पुढच्या वर्षी लवकर या !!