Pune Hosts Global Ganesh Festival, Aims to Boost Religious Tourism

Pune, 6th September 2024: The first-ever ‘Global Ganesh Festival’ was inaugurated yesterday by international youth. The event, organized this year on the initiative of prominent Ganeshotsav organizers in Pune, also featured the ‘Global Ganesh Summit.’ Notable attendees included African students Trish and Troba, German student Lotaya, Dr. Raghunath Kuchik, Dr. Satish Desai, Ramnath Sonawane, Vaibhav Wagh, Mahesh Suryawanshi, Shirish Mohite, Uday Jagtap, Adv. Anish Padekar, Vineet Pardeshi, Piyush Shah, Nitin Pandit, Dhanashree Wagh-Patil, Anirudh Yewale, and Yogesh Alekari.

During the summit, discussions focused on how the Global Ganeshotsav could impact Pune’s economy and religious tourism, the benefits of solo travel to the festival, and the development of Global Ganesha tourism. Topics also included the Morya Helpline, the Rotary Club’s role in the festival, the involvement of educational institutions, and recommendations for Indian organizers and government policies.

Vaibhav Wagh highlighted that Ganeshotsav, being more comprehensive and magnificent than many global festivals, has yet to gain international recognition. The ‘Global Ganesh Festival’ aims to attract foreign tourists, create employment, and promote the traditional and historic Ganeshotsav worldwide. The goal is to attract a maximum number of international tourists this year, with plans to establish memoranda of understanding between global Ganesh Mandals and Pune-based Ganesh Mandals, along with organizing global-level competitions.

Dr. Satish Desai emphasized the importance of local and international organizers working together to promote Ganeshotsav globally. Bharat Desadla noted that Pune’s Ganeshotsav is poised to gain global recognition due to this initiative.

Mahesh Suryavanshi stressed the need for infrastructure development to support religious tourism and broaden the festival’s recognition. Yogesh Alekari shared his experience of celebrating festivals worldwide and suggested that foreign tourists visiting India should have access to relevant resources.

Additionally, the ‘Moraya Helpline’ was announced to assist international tourists visiting religious sites. Uday Jagtap stated that this helpline will support tourists coming from abroad.

“People’s participation, proper use of technology, necessary facilities for foreigners during Ganeshotsav, guidance, and the exchange of festival practices globally will transform Ganeshotsav into a global folk festival,” expressed the Ganeshotsav activists.