Cities of Mumbai and Pune
are worth to visit during this festival. I have observed the festival at both the cities and there is
no doubt that Pune as a cultural capital of state outsmarts the capital city Mumbai.
Mumbaikar's are more into larger than life idols and Punekar's are more into celebrating the festival traditionally with small idols but theme based Pandals.
Mumbaikar's are more into larger than life idols and Punekar's are more into celebrating the festival traditionally with small idols but theme based Pandals.
History of Pune Ganesh Festival-
Pune is having a very interesting story of Ganesh Utsav that
was started by Bhausaheb Laxman Javale commonly known as BhauSaheb Rangari in 1892. He was the royal physician and used to run a charitable small hospital at his home near to Shaniwarwada. His family was into the coloring business of dyeing the cloth, which brought them the family name ‘Rangari’.
Nanasaheb Khajgiwale has visited gwalior once and witnessed the Ganesh Festival there.After his return he has discussed about a public celebration of Ganeshotsav with his friend Bhau Rangari. Then they organised a meeting at the Bhau Rangari's home, which was attended by Maharshi Annasaheb Patwardhan, Balasaheb Natu, Dagdusheth Halwai and others.In this meeting it was decided to start public celebration of Ganesh festival in Pune.
That same year,three Ganapati idols were installed publicly Srimant Bhausaheb Rangari Ganapati, Ganaptrao Ghotavadekar Ganapati and Nanasaheb Khajgiwale Ganapati.These Ganapatis were immersed with a grand procession and Lokmanya Tilak liked the idea and decided it to popularize and used as a tool for spreading the Indian Independence movement.He backed it with an editorial in his publication Kesari and started his own Public Ganesh Utsav in 1894.
Nanasaheb Khajgiwale has visited gwalior once and witnessed the Ganesh Festival there.After his return he has discussed about a public celebration of Ganeshotsav with his friend Bhau Rangari. Then they organised a meeting at the Bhau Rangari's home, which was attended by Maharshi Annasaheb Patwardhan, Balasaheb Natu, Dagdusheth Halwai and others.In this meeting it was decided to start public celebration of Ganesh festival in Pune.
That same year,three Ganapati idols were installed publicly Srimant Bhausaheb Rangari Ganapati, Ganaptrao Ghotavadekar Ganapati and Nanasaheb Khajgiwale Ganapati.These Ganapatis were immersed with a grand procession and Lokmanya Tilak liked the idea and decided it to popularize and used as a tool for spreading the Indian Independence movement.He backed it with an editorial in his publication Kesari and started his own Public Ganesh Utsav in 1894.
Since 1894, this festival is getting popular year after year and every
year the count of Mandals celebrating it publicly is keeps on increasing.
At the onset of the festival in the year 1894, there was a
feud in between the Mandals that who would immerse their idol first on
immersion day. To resolve this Problem, Lokmanya Tilak selected five most
revered ganpati’s now known as “Manache Ganpati” (Prestigious Ganesh) in the
below order –
1)Kasba Ganpati.
2)Tambdi Jogeshwari.
3)Guruji Talim.
4)Tulsibag.
5)Kesariwada.
Till today, these ganpati’s goes for immersion first
with very large procession’s and top dhol tasha troupes leading them. After
these 5 ganpati’s, the sixth place is reserved for Twasta Kasar ganpati mandal
and after these six, it is on queue basis. Many Mandals lined up on Laxmi Road
24 hours in advance to get the chance to take their procession from this road, which
is considered as a premium road, as procession from this road would get the
mandal an instant fame.
From past some years, administration has given special
rights to other five famous ganpati’s to come and join the procession in the
night without lined up in the queue. These Ganpati’s are known as “Ratri che
Manache” (Prestigious Ganpati’s of Night).These Ganpati’s comes on larger than
life Chariots and mind blowing lightings. These goes in below order for
immersion and are the main lime-light of the immersion Procession-
1) Jilbya Maruti.
2) Babu Genu Mandal.
3) Bhau Rangari Mandal.
4) Akhil Mandai Mandal.
5) Dagduseth Ganpati.
Must Visit top 30 Ganesh Mandals(Not in any Particular Order) -
1) Kasba Ganpati - Pune's most revered (Manache) Ganpati.This Ganpati has the right to lead the immersion Procession. This is right bang in front of Shaniwarwada.This ganpati is also known as “Gram Daivat” (Village deity) of Pune.The temple is some 400 years old and as per tale built on the orders of Shivaji's mother Jijabai.
2) Tambdi Jogeshwari - The Village goddess of Pune and the second most revered Ganpati of the city.The pandal is situated at Appa Balwant Chowk.It goes second for immersion in palanquin after Kasba Ganpati with Pune's most famous Dhol-Tasha Band "Taal" and "Shiv-Mudra" leading the Procession.This Ganpati resembles with an African elephant.
3) Guruji Talim - Guruji Talim is the 3rd most revered ganpati of Pune and also known as Pune cha Raja.This Mandal is known for their grand immersion and installation Procession with top dhol bands playing for it.Singham fame band Shivgarjana and Naad - Brahma used to perform with this Ganpati. This time mandal has designed a Raj-Mahal that is illuminated with seven type of lights.The Pandal is situated at Ganpati chowk, Laxmi Road.This is the symbol of Unity of Hindus and Muslims.
4) Tulsibag Mahaganpati- Pune's 4th most revered Ganpati,Tulsibag. This one is the largest at about 15 feet and most ornamental out of all five.Pandal is located at Pune's Famous ladies market Tulsibag.This is the first mandal to make a fiber glass idol of Ganpati. This time they have designed a tableau depicting Saint Tukaram and Saint Gyaneshwar writing his famous book Gyaneshwari(A version of Geeta).
5) Kesariwada -Pune's 5th most revered Ganpati ,Kesariwada.It was established by Lokmanya Tilak and goes at no.5 in immersion procession. The Pandal is situated at Kesariwada,Narayan Peth. The Mandal as a tradition does not display decoration but emphasizes on organization of cultural events and educational Program's.
6) Jilbya Maruti - The Night's first most revered Ganpati.It is famous for its ornate chariot theme and lighting. It is a real treat to watch the immersion procession of this Ganpati in the night from Laxmi Road. The procession enters the Laxmi Road at midnight 12.The Pandal is situated on Mandai-Shanipar Road.
7) Babu Genu Mandal - Pune's most revered Ganpati No.2 for Night,Babu Genu Mandal. This will go 4th last for immersion Procession and known for its mega chariots and dhol tasha troupe "Taal" which leads it's Procession. The Pandal is situated just behind Dagduseth near Mahatma Phule Mandai.This Ganpati is also known as “Navsacha Ganpati” means it fulfils all the wishes of their devotees.This mandal attracts second most crowd after Dagduseth.
8) Bhausaheb Rangari Mandal - Pune's 3rd most revered ganpati of night,Bhau Rangari.This mandal is India's first Public ganpati Mandal.In fact the Public Ganesha Festival was started by Bhau Rangari only and Lokmanya Tilak Popularized it.This Ganpati will go for immersion 3rd last on its traditional wooden chariot and with largest number of Dhol Tasha Troupes leading it. Last year 14 troupes were ready to play in the immersion Procession for free but police has allowed only 6. The Pandal is located at Bhau rangari lane near to dagduseth temple.
9) Akhil Mandai Mandal - Pune's 4th most revered Ganpati for Night, Akhli Mandai.It goes for immersion second last in the night with larger than life chariot.The Pandal is situated at Mahatma Phule whole sale market most commonly known as Mandai on Shivaji Road.
10)Dagduseth Halwai Ganpati -Pune's most Popular and famous, night's 5th most revered Ganpati-Dagduseth Halwai.This Ganpati goes last for immersion with most beautiful chariot dazzled with thousands of bulbs.This Mandal is known for the largest Pandal with unique themes each year.In 2014,they are erecting the world famous Kailash Temple of Ellora. This Mandal attracts large swathes of crowd. Thus, advised to visit this mandal in first 3-4 days of the festival.
11) Natubag Mandal - Natubag mandal at Bajirao road always erects the highest dancing lights show with music.In the last 5 days of festival, this mandal has the sobriquet of turning the bajirao road into a big dance floor.
12) Chimanya Ganpati - Chimanya Ganpati at Sadashiv Peth used to erect the eco-friendly themes with help of millions of LED's.This is Pandal is situated off to Bajirao Road.
13) Nimbalkar Talim Mandal - Nimbalkar Talim Mandal is situated at Sadashiv Peth near to chimanya Ganpati and is famous for their mechanised display of mythological tales locally known as “Halta Dekhawas”.
14) Shanipar Mandal - Shanipar Mandal situated at Shanipar Chowk on Bajirao Road is famous for their Live Plays on current issues locally known as “Jeevant Dekhavas”.In 2013; they showcased the live play on theme "Punewadi to Poona".
15) Vishrambag Wada Mandal - Vishrambagwada Mandal situated at Bajirao Road is also famous for its live Plays.
16) Munjabacha Bol Mandal - Munjabacha Bol ,off Laxmi Road is known for their Halta Dekhawas.
17) Rajaram Mandal – This Mandal is known for creating the most beautiful Pandals ala Dagduseth and Babu Genu.It is situated at Sadashiv Peth,off Laxmi Road.
18) Navjawan Mitra Mandal – This Mandal is situated at Sadashiv Peth near Perugate and known for erecting the highest displays in the city.Last yeat they have erected the 122 foot high display of Krishna slaying a demon.
19) Hatti Ganpati – This Mandal is known for his ganesh idol atop an elephant.It is situated at Navi Peth on Tilak Road.
20) Shahu Chowk Mandal- Shahu Chowk Mandal is known to erect the famous religious places.These are so lively that you would confuse whether they are actual of duplicate.In 2013,they erected the famous Anand Sagar of Shegaon.This Year 2014,they have erected the Saint Gyaneshwar Samadhi Mandir of Alandi.
21) Akra Maruti Kopra - Akra Maruti Kopra at Shivaji road is known for their automated mechanised plays.
22) Seva Mitra Mandal - Seva Mitra Mandal at Shivaji Road organised a live play on Generic Medicines last year.This Mandal is famous for its live shows and used to won the best Mandal awards.In 2014,they have created the 150 feet high replica of ISKCON Temple.
23) Sheetladevi Chowk Mandal – Sheetaladevi Chowk Mandal situated at Guruwar Peth is known for creating the beautiful themes.Last year they created the Deep-Laxmi Rath.
24) Kanifnath Mandal - Kanifnath Mandal is known to create very small but beautiful Models.It is situated at Guruwar Peth.
25) Atharva Mitra Mandal – This Mandal is also known to create very small but beautiful Models.It is situated at Guruwar Peth and managed by teenage boys.This mandal used to won many prizes with the use of there unique themes.
26) Grahak Peth – Grahak Peth situated on Tilak Road is basically a super Market. They used to prepare and decorate their Ganesh idol only with chocolates and Biscuits. A treat to watch.
27) Heerabag Mandal - Heerabag Mandal at Tilak Road is known to display mega shows every alternate year.In 2013, they have erected the automated play on Hanuman bringing Sanjeevani Booti.So 2014 would be a sober one.
28) Khadak Maal Ali- Khadak Maal situated near to Swar Gate is known for showing the automated mechanised Plays. These plays are so spell-bounding that even the traffic halts to see the show.
29) Khajina Vihir Mandal- This Mandal is situated at Tilak Road and is known for its larger than life Pandals and the mechanised automated Plays.
30) Nagnathpaar Mandal- This Mandal is situated at nagnath paar,off laxmi road and boasts of the Pune’s most beautiful ganesh idol.
Some of the other mandal worth mention are Lokhande Talim ,Kadwe ali ,Mehunpura,Natuwada,Ranmard Shivaji Mandal,Bal Vikas Mandal and Lakdi ganpati.Though there are hundreds of other Mandals in Pune but the above mentioned 30, attracts most of the crowd and situated in Old Pune's Peth Areas. All the top 30 are very near to each other and require at least 2-3 days to cover ( 3 Hrs per day in evening).
This event could easily be dubbed as one of the best events on this Planet Earth. You would be fascinated to view the main Visarjan of first 5 Manache ganpati's from Laxmi Road. It's a real visual treat to watch the dancing flags of Dhol troupes reaching towards you one after another. The soothing music of Dhol and Tashas that forces you to dance irrespective of your age, caste & creed,performance of troupes on all major chowks, acrobatic performances and the grand chariots would mesmerize you.
Each troupe trying to outclass another with their latest tunes.
The unique thing to mention is first 2 ganpati comes on Pallanquin,next 2 comes on Chariots and 5th one comes in a Pallanquin mounted on a chariot.The first Ganpati always enter Laxmi Road from Belbaug chowk at sharp 11 AM.
All in all a must watch and shouting Ganpati Bappa Morya,Pudchya varshi Lavkar ya....
1) Kasba Ganpati - Pune's most revered (Manache) Ganpati.This Ganpati has the right to lead the immersion Procession. This is right bang in front of Shaniwarwada.This ganpati is also known as “Gram Daivat” (Village deity) of Pune.The temple is some 400 years old and as per tale built on the orders of Shivaji's mother Jijabai.
2) Tambdi Jogeshwari - The Village goddess of Pune and the second most revered Ganpati of the city.The pandal is situated at Appa Balwant Chowk.It goes second for immersion in palanquin after Kasba Ganpati with Pune's most famous Dhol-Tasha Band "Taal" and "Shiv-Mudra" leading the Procession.This Ganpati resembles with an African elephant.
3) Guruji Talim - Guruji Talim is the 3rd most revered ganpati of Pune and also known as Pune cha Raja.This Mandal is known for their grand immersion and installation Procession with top dhol bands playing for it.Singham fame band Shivgarjana and Naad - Brahma used to perform with this Ganpati. This time mandal has designed a Raj-Mahal that is illuminated with seven type of lights.The Pandal is situated at Ganpati chowk, Laxmi Road.This is the symbol of Unity of Hindus and Muslims.
4) Tulsibag Mahaganpati- Pune's 4th most revered Ganpati,Tulsibag. This one is the largest at about 15 feet and most ornamental out of all five.Pandal is located at Pune's Famous ladies market Tulsibag.This is the first mandal to make a fiber glass idol of Ganpati. This time they have designed a tableau depicting Saint Tukaram and Saint Gyaneshwar writing his famous book Gyaneshwari(A version of Geeta).
5) Kesariwada -Pune's 5th most revered Ganpati ,Kesariwada.It was established by Lokmanya Tilak and goes at no.5 in immersion procession. The Pandal is situated at Kesariwada,Narayan Peth. The Mandal as a tradition does not display decoration but emphasizes on organization of cultural events and educational Program's.
6) Jilbya Maruti - The Night's first most revered Ganpati.It is famous for its ornate chariot theme and lighting. It is a real treat to watch the immersion procession of this Ganpati in the night from Laxmi Road. The procession enters the Laxmi Road at midnight 12.The Pandal is situated on Mandai-Shanipar Road.
7) Babu Genu Mandal - Pune's most revered Ganpati No.2 for Night,Babu Genu Mandal. This will go 4th last for immersion Procession and known for its mega chariots and dhol tasha troupe "Taal" which leads it's Procession. The Pandal is situated just behind Dagduseth near Mahatma Phule Mandai.This Ganpati is also known as “Navsacha Ganpati” means it fulfils all the wishes of their devotees.This mandal attracts second most crowd after Dagduseth.
8) Bhausaheb Rangari Mandal - Pune's 3rd most revered ganpati of night,Bhau Rangari.This mandal is India's first Public ganpati Mandal.In fact the Public Ganesha Festival was started by Bhau Rangari only and Lokmanya Tilak Popularized it.This Ganpati will go for immersion 3rd last on its traditional wooden chariot and with largest number of Dhol Tasha Troupes leading it. Last year 14 troupes were ready to play in the immersion Procession for free but police has allowed only 6. The Pandal is located at Bhau rangari lane near to dagduseth temple.
9) Akhil Mandai Mandal - Pune's 4th most revered Ganpati for Night, Akhli Mandai.It goes for immersion second last in the night with larger than life chariot.The Pandal is situated at Mahatma Phule whole sale market most commonly known as Mandai on Shivaji Road.
10)Dagduseth Halwai Ganpati -Pune's most Popular and famous, night's 5th most revered Ganpati-Dagduseth Halwai.This Ganpati goes last for immersion with most beautiful chariot dazzled with thousands of bulbs.This Mandal is known for the largest Pandal with unique themes each year.In 2014,they are erecting the world famous Kailash Temple of Ellora. This Mandal attracts large swathes of crowd. Thus, advised to visit this mandal in first 3-4 days of the festival.
11) Natubag Mandal - Natubag mandal at Bajirao road always erects the highest dancing lights show with music.In the last 5 days of festival, this mandal has the sobriquet of turning the bajirao road into a big dance floor.
12) Chimanya Ganpati - Chimanya Ganpati at Sadashiv Peth used to erect the eco-friendly themes with help of millions of LED's.This is Pandal is situated off to Bajirao Road.
13) Nimbalkar Talim Mandal - Nimbalkar Talim Mandal is situated at Sadashiv Peth near to chimanya Ganpati and is famous for their mechanised display of mythological tales locally known as “Halta Dekhawas”.
14) Shanipar Mandal - Shanipar Mandal situated at Shanipar Chowk on Bajirao Road is famous for their Live Plays on current issues locally known as “Jeevant Dekhavas”.In 2013; they showcased the live play on theme "Punewadi to Poona".
15) Vishrambag Wada Mandal - Vishrambagwada Mandal situated at Bajirao Road is also famous for its live Plays.
16) Munjabacha Bol Mandal - Munjabacha Bol ,off Laxmi Road is known for their Halta Dekhawas.
17) Rajaram Mandal – This Mandal is known for creating the most beautiful Pandals ala Dagduseth and Babu Genu.It is situated at Sadashiv Peth,off Laxmi Road.
18) Navjawan Mitra Mandal – This Mandal is situated at Sadashiv Peth near Perugate and known for erecting the highest displays in the city.Last yeat they have erected the 122 foot high display of Krishna slaying a demon.
19) Hatti Ganpati – This Mandal is known for his ganesh idol atop an elephant.It is situated at Navi Peth on Tilak Road.
20) Shahu Chowk Mandal- Shahu Chowk Mandal is known to erect the famous religious places.These are so lively that you would confuse whether they are actual of duplicate.In 2013,they erected the famous Anand Sagar of Shegaon.This Year 2014,they have erected the Saint Gyaneshwar Samadhi Mandir of Alandi.
21) Akra Maruti Kopra - Akra Maruti Kopra at Shivaji road is known for their automated mechanised plays.
22) Seva Mitra Mandal - Seva Mitra Mandal at Shivaji Road organised a live play on Generic Medicines last year.This Mandal is famous for its live shows and used to won the best Mandal awards.In 2014,they have created the 150 feet high replica of ISKCON Temple.
23) Sheetladevi Chowk Mandal – Sheetaladevi Chowk Mandal situated at Guruwar Peth is known for creating the beautiful themes.Last year they created the Deep-Laxmi Rath.
24) Kanifnath Mandal - Kanifnath Mandal is known to create very small but beautiful Models.It is situated at Guruwar Peth.
25) Atharva Mitra Mandal – This Mandal is also known to create very small but beautiful Models.It is situated at Guruwar Peth and managed by teenage boys.This mandal used to won many prizes with the use of there unique themes.
26) Grahak Peth – Grahak Peth situated on Tilak Road is basically a super Market. They used to prepare and decorate their Ganesh idol only with chocolates and Biscuits. A treat to watch.
27) Heerabag Mandal - Heerabag Mandal at Tilak Road is known to display mega shows every alternate year.In 2013, they have erected the automated play on Hanuman bringing Sanjeevani Booti.So 2014 would be a sober one.
28) Khadak Maal Ali- Khadak Maal situated near to Swar Gate is known for showing the automated mechanised Plays. These plays are so spell-bounding that even the traffic halts to see the show.
29) Khajina Vihir Mandal- This Mandal is situated at Tilak Road and is known for its larger than life Pandals and the mechanised automated Plays.
30) Nagnathpaar Mandal- This Mandal is situated at nagnath paar,off laxmi road and boasts of the Pune’s most beautiful ganesh idol.
Some of the other mandal worth mention are Lokhande Talim ,Kadwe ali ,Mehunpura,Natuwada,Ranmard Shivaji Mandal,Bal Vikas Mandal and Lakdi ganpati.Though there are hundreds of other Mandals in Pune but the above mentioned 30, attracts most of the crowd and situated in Old Pune's Peth Areas. All the top 30 are very near to each other and require at least 2-3 days to cover ( 3 Hrs per day in evening).
Immersion Procession-
Each troupe trying to outclass another with their latest tunes.
The unique thing to mention is first 2 ganpati comes on Pallanquin,next 2 comes on Chariots and 5th one comes in a Pallanquin mounted on a chariot.The first Ganpati always enter Laxmi Road from Belbaug chowk at sharp 11 AM.
All in all a must watch and shouting Ganpati Bappa Morya,Pudchya varshi Lavkar ya....
