Shrimant Bhausaheb Rangari Ganpati Idol Installed Amidst Grand Celebrations in Pune

Pune, 7th September 2024: The first Ganesh mandal of Hindustan, the Shrimant Bhausaheb Rangari Ganpati Trust, installed their revered Ganesh idol at Varad Vighneshwar Wada on Saturday, September 7. The installation was marked by grand festivities and the presence of thousands of devoted followers.

Renowned singer and Padma Shri awardee, Kailash Kher, performed the installation ceremony at approximately 12:45 PM, amid chants and praises honoring Lord Ganesha. Prior to the installation, the idol was brought to the venue in a magnificent procession led by traditional Dhol-Tasha ensembles. The procession saw the enthusiastic participation of thousands of Ganesh devotees.

Punit Balan, the Celebration Chief and Trustee of the Trust, along with Janhavi Dhariwal Balan, commenced the day’s events by worshipping the Shrimant Bhausaheb Rangari Ganpati and performing the ‘Aarti’ around 8:15 AM.

Following the initial rituals, a group of transgenders known as ‘Shikhandi’ performed a ten-minute ‘Gajar,’ a form of devotional chanting, filling the atmosphere with spiritual fervor. The idol’s procession then began, with Bappa placed on a chariot adorned with roses of various hues. As the procession moved along Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Road, large crowds gathered to witness the Dhol-Tasha performances and traditional martial displays by the ‘Shri Shivajiraje Mardani Akhada’ team at every junction.

Celebrating its 133rd year, this year’s festival marked a significant change in a century-old tradition. For the first time, the practice of having a pair of bullocks pull the chariot (Rath) carrying the Shrimant Bhausaheb Rangari Ganpati idol was replaced. Instead, the chariot was pulled by mandal office-bearers, volunteers, and the Balans themselves.

The procession made its way back to Varad Vighneshwar Wada, passing through Budhwar Chowk, Tambdi Jogeshwari Mandir, Appa Balwant Chowk, and Bajirao Road. Upon arrival, the idol was ceremoniously installed by Kailash Kher through traditional rituals. Punit Balan and Janhavi Dhariwal-Balan performed the ‘Aarti’ following the installation. In response to the devotees’ requests, Kailash Kher delighted the crowd by singing some of his popular songs, which were met with cheers and applause.

Prior to the procession, traditional performances such as Lathi-Kathi and conch blowing were showcased. Seven Dhol-Tasha groups, including Shivmudra, Vadyavrund, Manvandana, Shree, NuMaVi, Kalawant, and Shriram pathaks, paid their respects in front of the Shrimant Bhausaheb Rangari Bhavan. The city center resonated with the rhythmic beats of the Dhol-Tasha drums. Prominent figures from various sectors were present to partake in the celebrations. A special screening of ‘Gajvandana,’ performed by Kailash Kher and produced by Punit Balan Studios, was also showcased during the event.

Expressing his joy, Punit Balan, the Celebration Chief and Trustee of the Shrimant Bhausaheb Rangari Ganpati Trust, shared, “Today is a day we eagerly anticipate every year, and it brings immense happiness to see Bappa arrive amid such a devotional atmosphere. We were honored to have Padma Shri Kailash Kher perform the installation. Throughout the festival, various social and religious programs will take place. We invite all devotees to come and seek Bappa’s blessings.”

Reflecting on his participation, Kailash Kher remarked, “Being given the honor to install the Shrimant Bhausaheb Rangari Ganpati idol feels like a blessing from Bappa himself. I prayed for our motherland to be filled with divinity and spirituality, for protection against natural calamities, and for the safety of our nation.”