Pune is the hottest place to witness ganeshotsav celebrations in the whole world. The city has a history of celebrating this festival since 1892
There's still a scuffle about who started the public Ganeshotsav celebrations. A group of people says Mr. bhausaheb Rangari started and another group says, the Freedom fighter Mr. Lokmanya Tilak started the celebrations. As of now, let's focus upon the things to witness during this 10 day festival.
1. Aagman Sohala - Welcoming the Lord
On the ocassion of Ganesh Chaturthi, The aagman sohala is celebrated. Various Dhol Tasha Pathak, who practice tirelessly from last 3-4 months, get an opportunity to welcome their bappa with the melodious & royal sound of the Dhol-Tasha.
2. Shrimant Dagdusheth Ganpati
An epitome of pride for every punekar out there. When we say Royal, Rich, Glorious & Soulful, The Dagdusheth Ganpati Bappa comes in from of our eyes. It is also called as "Shrimant" ( Rich)
This ganpati bappa is the main attraction for all the ganpati bappa devotees who visits Pune for this festival.
3. 5 Maanache Ganpati ( Top 5 Honoured Ganpati)
Pune has 5 most respected ganpati bappa. These 5 ganpati pandals ( ganpati bappas) have a history behind it. Without digging deep into it, let's start a journey with 5 Maanache Ganpatis.
1. Kasba Ganpati - Maanacha Pahila Ganpati ( First respected ganpati)
2. Tambdi Jogeshwari Ganpati - Maanacha Dusra Ganpati ( Second respected ganpati)
3. Guruji Talim Mandal - Maanacha Tisra Ganpati (3rd respected ganpati)
4. Tulshibaug Ganpati - Maanacha chautha ganpati ( 4th respected ganpati )
5. Kesariwada Ganpati - Maanacha paachva ganpati (5th respected ganpati)
These 5 ganpati pandals/bappas are considered as most respected ganpati bappas in Pune. During the Visarjan celebration ( idol immersion celebrations) to avoid conflicts & scuffles between these 5 pandals, Mr. Lokamanya Tilak decided a sequence by carrying discussion & meetings with these 5 pandals. That is when this sequence was decided & it's being followed since then.
Do checkout all 5 Maanache Ganpati Bappa in below pictures
4. Visarjan Mirvanuk
Almost all the famous ganpati bappa follow the laxmi road, shanipar road route for the visarjan ceremony. The roads are packed from both the sides to take a blessings from their bappa on the last day of the 10 day celebrations. The dhol Tasha Pathaks, Decorations, traditional & cultural programs by the pandals are the major attractions on the day of visarjan that is Anant Chaturdashi.
It's going to be celebrated on 28th September 2023 this year. It's a whole day & night celebration. The visarjan miravnuk ends with an immersion of Shrimant Dagdusheth ganpati bappa on the later day of Anant Chaturdashi.
Around 2 lac people witness the Visarjan Miravnuk in pune on that day. The views & experiences are mesmerizing and a treat to a human eye.