Pune: Ganesh Chaturthi Elation Takes Over City, Ganesha Welcomed With Pomp And Joy

Param Lakhani

Pune, 31st August 2022: Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations have begun in the city of Pune, celebrating the birth of Lord Ganesha with great pomp. Manache Ganpati of Pune, in Kasba, Tambdi Jogeshwari, Guruji Talim, Tulshibaug, and Kesriwada, was welcomed with the traditional Dhol-Tasha. The most awaited festival of the year is finally being celebrated after two years with enthusiasm. The COVID-19 pandemic, which hit in 2020, resulted in restrictions on celebrations for the last two years. There are no public restrictions this year, and most pandals are open-to-all throughout the festival. Guests are expected to visit the prominent Ganpati Pandals twice in number, and arrangements have been made accordingly.

The treasurer of the Dagadusheth Ganpati Mandal, Mahesh Suryavanshi, said, “For the last two years, there were no decorations, immersion processions or any celebrations during the Ganapati festival. This year, Ganapati mandals have planned grand celebrations for the 10-day festival. Similarly, at the Dagadusheth Ganpati Mandal, we have installed a replica of the Panch Kedar Temple, and all arrangements have been made for darshan.”

Since the festival is being conducted after two years, the crowd is expected to be double the usual number in pre-COVID times. This crowd is not only subject to Dagdusheth but across all the Pandals in Pune. To tackle this, 150 full-time volunteers, along with police forces, have been installed for the security of worshippers. 75 surveillance cameras have also been installed to keep a watch on the event and avoid any mishaps. A team of doctors from eminent hospitals will also be present to provide emergency medical assistance if needed.

The secretary of the Tulshibaug Ganpati Mandal, Nitin Pandit, said, “All arrangements for the 10-day Ganapati festival have been made by our Mandal. As it is one of the Manache Ganapati mandals of Pune, crowds are expected from day one. Pune’s Ganapati festival is famous across the country, and people not only from nearby villages in the district but also from across the state and country come here to see the various dekhavas (thematic decorations). All the Ganapati Mandal volunteers are very excited about this year’s celebrations.”