Must Visit Top 5 Ganesh Mandals in Pune for 2014

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When it comes to Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations, Pune is not too far behind Mumbai that celebrates the festival in a grand style. Unlike Mumbai, Pune has its own style of celebrating this festival of Lord Ganesha and local residents make sure that they celebrate the festival in a better way without causing any problems or damages to the other locals and residents. While Mumbai is more about show business and commercialization where the length of the idol and extravagant decorations does matter, Pune is all about celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi traditionally. Well, I am not saying Mumbaikars are busier showing off the money power and that their devotion is any less than that of Pune residents, but the commercialization of the festival is clearly visible in Mumbai, while in Pune that is not really the trend. Although, I am from Mumbai, I believe Pune residents celebrate this festival in a better way and all credit goes to their thought and efforts.

Here we take a quick look at the must visit top Ganesh mandals in Pune that attract more visitors and devotees for 2014.

Kasba Ganpati

Located in the heart of the city, this Ganesh mandal was formed in 1893 and takes the first honor of immersion in Pune. Also known as the Gram Daivat this Ganesh idol attracts huge number of devotees and visitors in Pune. Historically, the idol was installed by Jijabai and Shivaji Maharaj in 1639 and the idol was found near the house of Vinayak Thakar who was one of the neighbors of the queen, Jijabai Bhonsle. The idol also stands symbolic of the Swarajya (freedom) movement and empowerment of women in Maharashtra.

However, it was only in 1893 that Tilak decided to make this festival public and until now the festival was just a private affair. The Kasba Ganpati celebrated the festival directly from the temple till 1925, but from the following year the residents decided to celebrate it in enclosed mandap (set-up) for more devotees to see. Locally, Kasba Ganpati is also known as Maanaacha Pahila Ganpati (The First Honor Idol or The Most Respected Idol in the city). If you want to reach here you can look out for Kasba Peth near Shaniwarwada and Lal Mahal.

Tambdi Jogeshwari Ganpati

Tambdi Jogeshwari temple is known as one of the oldest temples in Pune built around 1545. The Ganesh idol here takes the second honor in the city (Maanaacha Dusra Ganpati) and therefore it is the second idol to be immerse during the immersion process. Historically, in 1636, Shivaji Maharaj came here and plough the land near the temple signifying the new beginning of Pune. However, in 1705 a bigger temple was constructed here.

The mandal (group) established itself in 1893 when Tilak began the Sarvajanik Ganesh festival which was meant for social uprising against the British. During the immersion process women participate in the procession and perform stunts like sword fight and horse riding and the mandal has kept alive the same tradition till today and which signifies the empowerment and equality of women. To reach Tambdi Jogeshwari Ganpati you can get down at Budhwar Peth and find the enclosed mandap.

Guruji Talim Ganpati

Maanaacha Tisra Ganpati or the Third Honored Ganesh mandal in Pune goes to Guruji Talim Ganpati which is located at Ganpati Chowk on Laxmi Road and was the first Ganesh mandal in Pune to spread the message of communal harmony. Initiated by couple of Hindu and Muslim families in 1887, this mandal holds the record of actually being the oldest mandal in India. Historically, these Hindu and Muslim families were celebrating the festival even before Lokmanya Tilak brought the festival on a public forum.

In 1987, the mandal celebrated 100 years of Ganesh festival and since 1987 the mandal decided to stop collecting money from nearby residents and traders to celebrate the festival. Guruji Talim Ganpati Mandal celebrates festival from the money collected from the core members of the mandal. Another striking feature of the mandal is that the idol is small and decorated with 10 kilograms of gold ornaments which are insured. Guruji Talim Ganpati usually brings Ganesh idols that are eco-friendly and made from shadu clay and fiber. Don’t miss this one.

Tulsibaug Ganesh Mandal

Taking the fourth place of honor in Pune is Tulsibaug Ganesh Mandal that was established in 1901 near Tulsibaug Ram Mandir which is a busy market place just few kilometers away from Swargate station. This mandal is known for the kind of decorations and innovative ideas that visitors and devotees can see here.

The mandal (group) also has the honor of installing the first ever fiber glass Ganesh idol in the country in 1975, now that’s thinking way ahead of the time. If you are looking for some great artistic work and decorations this is the place to be especially in Pune. The mandal is also associated with many social reforms and activities that makes this Ganesh mandal unique in its own way.

Kesariwada Ganesh Mandal

Founded by Lokmanya Tilak in 1893 on Narayan Peth Tilakwada this Ganesh mandal (group) is also one of the oldest and takes the fifth place of honor during immersion ceremony. The entire concept of Ganesh mandals was to unite the people of India for freedom fight against the British regime. The mandal still takes up various social and contemporary causes in the society organizing various events and facilities for women and children.

The funds received by the mandal is spent on social events rather than decoration. The mandal also emphasizes on the work of Lokmanya Tilak and displays his biography in pictures for the devotees and visitors. If you are in Pune you must visit Kesariwada Ganesh mandal that started the entire Sarvajanik Ganesh utsav trend all over the country.