Pune: Shrimant Bhausaheb Rangari Ganpati Processions to End Use of Bullocks – Celebration Chief Punit Balan’s Announcement

Pune, 7th August 2024: The Shrimant Bhausaheb Rangari Ganpati, a pioneer of public Ganesh festivals in India, will no longer include a pair of bullocks in its arrival and immersion processions. This announcement was made by Celebration Chief and Trustee Punit Balan on Wednesday (August 7). Balan stated, “The 133-year-old tradition will be suspended to prevent the hardships caused to these domestic animals.”

Joint Commissioner of Police Ranjan Kumar Sharma performed the Vasapujan ceremony at the Shrimant Bhausaheb Rangari Ganpati Trust Mandap. During the event, Punit Balan revealed, “This year, we will build a replica of the Varad Vighneshwar Wada to celebrate Ganeshotsav. From now on, we will discontinue the use of bullocks for the arrival and immersion processions of the Shri Bhausaheb Rangari Ganpati Trust.”

He added, “The immersion procession is often delayed, causing significant stress to the animals. Therefore, we have decided to make a change. The arrival procession chariot will now be pulled by devotees and mandal workers. A special chariot will be prepared for the immersion procession.”

Joint CP Ranjan Kumar Sharma commented, “We start every important task by invoking Shri Ganesha. Shri Ganesha is revered by millions of Indians, and the Ganesh Festival initiated by Shrimant Bhausaheb Rangari is celebrated globally. The festival transcends caste and religion, involving everyone. Let us celebrate with enthusiasm this year. Pune Police is ready to provide all possible assistance during the festival.”

DCP (Zone 1) Sandeep Singh Gill, Vishrambaug PS Sr PI Vijaymala Pawar, along with Tulshibaug Ganesh Mandal President Vikas Pawar, Treasurer Nitin Pandit, Vice-President Vinayak Kadam, Trust President Sanjiv Jawale, office-bearers, and workers were present. Milind Kulkarni compered the function.

Actor Shubhangi Gokhale has suggested stopping the public Ganesh Festival due to alleged irregularities. In response, Punit Balan remarked, “This is a publicity stunt by Shubhangitai to promote her film. We invite her to Pune to witness our religious, social, and health programs. As a film producer myself, I recognize that films often depict obscenity and addiction. Does that mean the entire film industry should be shut down?”