Ganeshotsav 2016: Pune’s revered Ganpatis keep it simple, this time around

Revelry during Ganeshostsav isn’t complete without visiting the five Manache Ganpati, Pune’s most revered ones. While some have chosen mythological discourses for their décor, the rest have kept it simple, riding high on pertinent issues concerning the city.
Kasba Ganpati, Kasba Peth
Pune’s Gramdevata sits against a Subham Karoti themed décor, also elucidating the homely tradition of lighting diyas in the tulsi-vrundavan at dusk.Mandal president Shrikant Shethe shared, “Like last year, our décor by is eco-friendly, using paper, cloth and a soothing colour scheme.” This year, the mandal’s message to devotees is not to littler one’s surroundings, which they have been driving home through puppet and slide shows every day.

Tambdi Jogeshwari, Budhwar Peth
The trust has always been involved in a lot of social activities. Since the past four years, they’ve also been organising photography competitions for the city’s budding shutterbugs. The regular bhajans and kirtans invite the devout to partake in them. As per tradition, the idol made of shadu clay, will be carried in a silver palanquin for immersion.

Guruji Talim, Laxmi Road
At number three, the Ganpati that existed six years before the public celebrations began, finds favour with devotees through its mythological décor. “Every year, our focus is to highlight stories from mythology. This time, our artist Harishchandra Chirmade came up with the idea of ‘Shaam Mahal’, a palatial set-up dedicated to Lord Krishna,” said Prithviraj Pardeshi, mandal from the mandal. Its construction costs approximately `2.5 lakhs, the pandal demanded two months of work.

Tulshibaug Ganpati, Tulshibaug
Tucked in the bustling iconic market, the ornate silver décor is a regular feature of the 15-feet-tall idol. But the exhibition of archival images of Ganpati festivals since 1952 at the pandal is an added treat this year. “Following the demise of our president and famous sculptor, DS Khatavkar, we decided to hold this exhibition to celebrate his repertoire,” says mandal vice president Vinayak Kadam.

Kesariwada Ganpati, Narayan Peth
Kesariwada Ganpati Mandal prefers keeping it simple, cutting the frills of elaborate décor. “Our focus is to bring people together,” said mandal trustee Pranati Rohit Tilak, which is evident by the number of cultural activities they conduct prior to and during the festival. “Today, we will have an evening of evergreen Hindi hits, open to the public,” Pranati added. Look forward to their visarjan, replete with three dhol pathaks.

THE OTHER REVERED GANESHAS
Shreemant Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati, Shivaji Road
Known for its opulent décor every year, Bappa sits against a replica of the famous Mahabalipuram Temple this time. An architectural wonder built during the Pallavas reign, pandal art director Vivek Khatavkar closely studied temples located on the Coromandel Coast. “While costs including that of the mandap, artists, rental and construction are approximately `70 lakh to a crore, work began three month in advance with over 40 workers toiling at the workshop near Sarasbaug,” said Hemant Rasane, the festival chief trustee. Every part of the largely-plywood structure boasts of intricate artwork.
Hutatma Babugenu Mandal Trust, near Mahathma Phule Mandai
Replete with elaborate lighting and extreme detailing, the mandal has installed an over 108-feet-high imaginary Shiva-Ganesha Mahal, a world created by Nitin Desai, a notable Bollywood art director. “Work on the rough sketch began almost seven months in advance, which the entire pandal took over three months to construct,” said mandal president Balasaheb Marne.

Those one can visit the city's revered Ganeshas throughout the day, the crowds can be quite the spoiler. Early mornings and afternoons are hence the best time to visit.