Category Archives: Ganesh Festival in Pune
Pune Ganesh pandal that spreads awareness against child abuse
This Ganesh festival, the Sai Nath Mandal Trust at Budhwar Peth aims to spread awareness against child abuse. “Over these 10 days, we will conduct a variety of plays and an exhibition of posters and newspaper articles at our pandal to highlight this issue,” said Piyush Ramesh Shah, working president at Sai Nath Mandal Trust.
There are paintings on display that demonstrate how children must protect themselves against sexual abuse. The paintings have been done by Amit Dhane, who is a friend of Shah. “We do our children wrong by not listening to them or just taking what they say lightly. We need to have conversation with them and educate them about what it is appropriate and what is offensive,” says Shah.
The second play that we have prepared is about a boy who is molested by his uncle. His parents do not believe him and this brings about disastrous consequences. “The message that we want to send out is for all parents to take care of their children, believe them and keep an eye out for something that might affect them and spoil their childhood,” he added. The short plays are informative yet entertaining with a mix of dance, song and dialogues. “During this festive season, even though we want to spread a social message, we do not want to make coming to our pandal a sombre experience. We want people to be entertained as well as informed and educated on such issues. For this, we have decided to infuse an element of song and dance in our plays,” he added.
Ganapati comes home to sounds of dhol tasha in Pune
Pune woke up to a day of celebrations as Ganapati ‘Bappa’ marched into the city amidst beating dhols and reverberating incantations of ‘Ganapati bappa morya’ on Wednesday.
Yet, several parts of the city saw somewhat subdued celebrations, said festival patrons. Anand Saraf, a researcher on the festival in the city, said, “Areas such as Mahatma Phule Mandai, Shanipar chowk, Bel baug chowk and Shaniwarwada, among others, witnessed the full strength of celebrations. Youngsters’ participation this year was particularly impressive. However, other areas away from the interiors were relatively quiet this year.”
Saraf said that subdued celebrations in some parts of the city could be attributed to the on-going recession, with almost 60% mandals deciding to do away with mandap decorations and tableaux.
“However, celebrations in societies seem to be on a rise. I have seen more people this year wanting to celebrate the festival with their families inside their society,” he said.
The procession of the Kasba Ganapati, the first ‘manache’ Ganapati, was carried out with equal splendor it exhibits each year. The idol’s installation was done at 11:16 am at the hands of eminent scientist Vijay Bhatkar. As 120 enthusiastic members of Samartha Prathisthan and Shriwardhan ‘dhol-tasha’ groups performed joyously, as a new idol of lord Ganesha was placed in a palkhi made of silver.
It was then carried out in a procession through Laxmi Road, Budhwar chowk, among other areas, and later to the Kasba Ganapati mandap, where it was installed with much fanfare.
“There were 1,000-odd people participating in the procession. Unlike earlier, we did not throw ‘gulal’ into the air. Instead, we had two volunteers applying ’tilak’ on the foreheads of the participants,” said Bharat Rathod, president, Kasba Ganpati Mandal.
The second manache Ganapati, the Tambadi Jogeshwari Ganapati, was installed at 12 noon amidst much fanfare and celebrations.
The third Ganapati of honor, Guruju Talim, was six feet tall this year. The Shivgarjana Dhol pathak comprising 100 members along with 70 ladies of the group NaadBrahma (all of who donned ‘kesari phetas’ and nose rings) beguiled those in the procession with their performance.
The ‘Pran Pratishthapana’ of the idol took place at 12:30 pm.
The fourth Ganapati of honor, the Tulshibaug Ganapati, a 15-feet idol made of fiber glass in 1988, was not carried out in a procession. But the mandal volunteers rang in the festival with ‘sthir avarthan’ or a stationary dhol-tasha performance by a 100 members of the Gajalaxmi dhol pathak, who donned the Gandhi ‘topi’. “Advocate Anil Hirve, who undertook the ‘Pran Pratishthapana’ of the idol, donated us an ornate, wooden ‘chaurang’ upon which the idol was placed and taken to its seat of honor,” said Nitin Pandit, treasurer, Tulshebaug mandal. The decor of the mandap was based on the ‘peacock’ theme.
Meanwhile, the Hathi Ganapati mandal carried its idol in a procession that went through Tilak Road, Alka talkies chowk and finally to Navi Peth amidst 500-odd people. Two bands and two dhol-tasha groups played vigorously. The ‘Pran Pratishthapana’ of the Hathi Ganapati idol was done at 8 pm.
Woman carries on family legacy of painting 118-yr-old idol in Pune
In the winding bylanes of the old city, behind the Mahatma Phule Mandai, preparations are in full swing for the upcoming Ganesh festival. The excitement at the Akhil Mandai Mandal, however, is of a different kind. Today, 118 years ago, the idol was first installed on the premises of the temple located near the Mandai. And it is here that Sangeeta Vedpathak has been continuing another tradition — that of painting the idol.
Following in her father’s footsteps, Sangeeta has been painting the idol of Lord Ganesha every year for the last 13 years. “My father did this for almost 50 years. I do not know who painted the idol before he started. But we have been doing it for over 60 years now,” she says.
The idol itself has stood the test of time. Over the years, the temple authorities have tried to install a new one in its place only to see the latter either develop cracks or break. “They then installed the old idol. Every year, I paint the idol afresh,” she says.
Repainting the idol is a three-step process. “First, we remove the existing colours. The idol is then given a white coat and then painted,” Sangeeta says. “The idea is to make the idol seem as realistic as possible. Since my father’s time, the main task has been to make the statue seem lifelike, so devotees feel a connect with the deity.”
For Sangeeta, painting the idol is a matter of three weeks and a half. “I work with the agriculture department. My husband Vivek and son Pratik also help me while I work on the statue. It’s wonderful to see people appreciate my efforts,” she says. Even the colours that are used for the painting correspond with the ones that are used during the major puja. “Giving it a fresh coat not only preserves the statue but also gives it a new look every year,” she adds.
Source: http://www.indianexpress.com/news/woman-carries-on-family-legacy-of-painting-118yrold-idol/1002416/
To spread green message, 600 children shape Ganesh out of clay
In the run-up to the Ganesh festival, 600-odd children have been literally getting hands-on experience at making the festival an environmental friendly one. They have been learning to make Ganpati idols using Shadu Mati’ (clay) at workshops organised by Big Bazaar in association with The Indian Express.
The aim was spreading the message that clay idols disperse easily in water compared to plaster of paris idols that lead to water pollution after immersion. Thousands of idols, big and small, are immersed in water bodies every year during the festival.
The clay idols the children made at workshops are on display at Big Bazaar stores in Kothrud, Pimpri, and Amanora Town Centre. Students of several schools in Kothrud, Pimpri and Hadapsar areas participated in the workshop hosted by famous sculptor Abhijit Dhondphale.
Every session featured a talk by Dhondphale on the significance of the Ganesh festival followed by a presentation on the professional idol-making that involves blueprint sketches, collection of clay, and a step-by-step insight into daily work of a professional idol maker. He also sculpted a Ganesh idol for participants to learn the art.
The clay was brought from Konkan region and distributed among participants. Dhondphale assisted them in shaping the idols.
“We labelled each idol with details of the student who made it. The idols are on display at our stores,” said Ashwin P. Deo, marketing manager, Big Bazaar, Future Group, Pune. They can be bought and the cost ranges from Rs 21 to Rs 51.
Dhondphale has sorted the idols according to perfection and finish.
“The proceeds from the sale will be donated to NGOs in the city working for children,” said Deo and added, “The initiative was to spreading awareness on preventing pollution.” Three students who made the best idols will get certificates and gift vouchers on September 19 5 pm at Amanora Big Bazaar, Hadapsar.”
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Peshwas celebrated with splendour
PUNE: The Ganeshotsav festival that we celebrate with so much fervour was an annual affair in Pune even during the Peshwa era. If the accounts of the festivities then are to be believed, the Peshwas celebrated Ganeshotsav with unparalleled splendour from 1750 till 1800, spending at least Rs 1 lakh annually on it.
History researcher Pandurang Balkawde, who found records of expenses incurred on the festival during the aforementioned period at the Peshwa Daftar in Pune Archives, said that the Peshwas would celebrate the festival in Shaniwarwada‘s darbar hall back then.
Balkawde said that the Peshwas had a Ganeshotsav of their own 250 years ago. “The accounts, which are written in the Modi script, give a detailed description of how the festival was celebrated then. It is believed that the elephant God was the family deity of the Peshwas, which is why the darbar hall in the wada was named as Ganesh Rang Mahal. Before laying the foundation stone of the wada, the Peshwas installed a Ganesh idol at its precincts, while the gate to the east was named Ganesh Darwaza,” he said.
The darbar hall had its very own Ganesh idol, which was crafted in pure gold. “Peshwas would regularly assemble there out of devotion and love for Ganapati. The festival was observed in the Hindu calender month of Bhaadrapada for a period of five days. A Ganesh idol made of mud would be placed before the gilded idol to herald the festival. As many as 50 artistes – both Hindus and Muslims – including goldsmiths, painters, carpenters and blacksmiths, would be employed to design and decorate the ‘makhar’ (decorative structure) surrounding the idol,” he said, adding that expensive metals such as gold and silver were used in the decoration.
The installation would be followed with elaborate prayer ceremonies by as many as 51 priests, from morning till night. “In addition, hundreds of singers and dancers belonging to varied castes, creeds, religions and coming from different corners of India would perform at the darbar hall during all the five days of the festival. The Peshwas would pay them in cash and kind. People from all over Maharashtra would visit the wada to witness the festivities and they would be served lavish meals twice during the day,” said Balkawde.
According to Balkawde, the Ganeshotsav celebration then speaks at length about India’s culture and its unity in diversity. “Even then, the festival had people belonging to different creeds, sects and faiths assemble together, which is an excellent example of India’s oneness,” he added.
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Ganesh Chaturti of Pune
Today Pune has the best kind of celebrations when festivals like Ganpati come and there are mandals which are built without digging the road and keeping the traffic and environment in mind. Pune has a system of having the whole celebration streamlined. It organizes competitions for decorations, concept, theme etc and thus brings about a sense of discipline and responsibility on the organizers. Those mandals which focus on environmental causes, rainwater harvesting, nature conservation etc get some special recognition. This inspires many mandals to have blood donation camps, campaigns on the importance of the girl child, spreading the awareness of AIDS etc.
In such circumstances it becomes necessary to get to know some of the major mandals in Pune.
Kasba Ganpati First Ganpati of Honor in Pune
Existing since the year 1893, this is located in the Kasba Peth in Pune. Since then it has occupied the first position. It is believed that a Ganpati idol was discovered near the residence of one Shri Vinayak Thakar. In sheer devotion, he got a temple constructed here. This is the Gram Daivat of the idol. Today the mandal has the best tableaux ever. It draws inspiration from history, social issues and epics. There are stories from Sai Baba’s life, or sometimes it is something historical. With Anna Hazare, the social activist catching everyone’s interest, even that becomes a topic for mandals. Visit this mandal to see what the surprise is this year.
Tambdi Jogeshwari Second Ganpati of Honor in Pune
This is the second most popular of the Ganpati idols in the city of Pune. Existing since the year 1893, it is located at Budhwar Peth. This is one of the idols that were erected when Lokmanya Tilak, the Indian leader started the festival with the idea of uprising the social Indian class. Today this centenary and seven year old mandal is a unique combination of devotion and creativity. The idol very much resembles elephants from Africa.
Guruji Talim Third Ganpati of Honor in Pune
Third in the line of popularity, this Ganpati is located at the Ganpati Chowk in Laxmi road in the city of Pune. This was started in the year 1887 and existed even before the Indian leader Lokmanya Tilak publicized the festival for the betterment of the masses. This established a unity between the Hindus and the Muslims. This was incidentally the first among the mandals which celebrated a 100 years of existence.
Tulsibaug Fourth Ganpati of Honor in Pune
This is the fourth line of fame in the Ganpati mandals. This is also the oldest and the famous mandal in the city of Pune. It is more famous for its huge idol and also amongst the first to make an idol out of fiber glass. Mr. D.S. Khataokar is the architect who creates this idol measuring 15 feet.
Kesariwada Fifth Ganpati of Honor in Pune
Located at Narayanpeth in Tilakwada in Pune, this Ganpati mandal exists since the year 1893. This is important as it was established by the Indian leader Lokmanya Tilak. With issues of social causes always depicted and the awareness spread, this mandal has a social programme with speeches given by experienced people. It also encourages children and women to take part in competitions organized.
Shrimant Dagdusheth Halwai Sarvajanik Ganpati
Having the dubious distinction of being the richest Ganpati in the city, the Puneites come here to visit their favourite idol. Existing since 1893, it is managed by the trust of the same name
Special seurity arrangements around Dagdusheth Temple
The city police are specially focusing on security around Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati temple, known to be the biggest attraction during the Ganpati festival in Pune. The religious place is suspected to be on the radar of terror outfits. Pune police commissioner Meeran Borwankar said she recently discussed security issues with members of Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Mandal.
Borwankar said Pune police have received inputs from ATS and other intelligence agencies about the suspected terrorist movements in the city. She said specifications of the inputs could not be shared with media.
Meanwhile, deputy commissioner of police (special branch) Makrand Ranade said, “All crowded places and those having a history are being looked at. We are considering Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati temple as the centre. Special security arrangements are made within 2 km radius of the temple. Besides, there is a watch on 89 spots mentioned under our communal riot scheme. Our 300 special branch officers and constables would be keeping a close watch round the clock on sensitive spots.”
Source: http://www.indianexpress.com/news/special-seurity-arrangements-around-dagdusheth-temple/839655/
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14 ghats adopted for Lord Ganesha immersion in Pune
PUNE: A social organisation, eCoexist, has joined hands with the SWaCH cooperative to ‘adopt a ghat’ during idol immersion this Ganesh festival. So far, three corporates have adopted 14 ghats (river banks used for religious ceremonies) in the city. The idea is to keep rivers clean.
Besides providing funds to keep the ghats clean, employees of these corporate houses will help collect and dispose of ‘nirmalya’ which is thrown in water bodies at the time of immersion.
Manisha Gutman, the founder of eCOexist told TOI that for the first time corporates have taken the initiative to clean rivers during immersion. The volunteers will sensitise people on the harmful effects of immersing idols in rivers and divert them to immersion tanks provided by the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC).
Much awarded Ganesh Mandal of Pune keeps Tilak tradition alive
Located in Sahakarnagar bylanes, Aranyeshwar Mandal is one of the few Ganesh mandals that still uphold the tradition started by Bal Gangadhar Tilak of using it as a platform to spread social message and address social issues. Its continuous efforts over the past 52 years has earned the mandal a record 350 awards.
“When we started the mandal, our main aim was to ensure people were informed about socio-political happenings around them so that they could be aware of them. Ever since we have been decorated the mandal only with themes with social relevance,” says Arun Jangawli president of the Mandal.
And for that, the mandal has till date won over 350 awards from different organisations across the state, the latest being Jai Ganesh Bhushan Award bestowed by the Shrimant Dagdusheth Halwai Sarvajanik Trust, and which carries a prize of Rs 1 lakh. Having topped the list of best mandals for the last three years, Jangawli says for them, the festival is not an occasion to merely revel and waste money collected by them on smaller things. “We need to focus on what we want to show to people,” he says adding, “Hence we take up themes like pollution, corruption, climate, population explosion and even illnesses like AIDS and swine flu.” In fact, in the 90s, owing to such themes, it was for five years straight from 1995 to 2000 that they won the award given by the Shrimant Dagdusheth Halwai Sarvajanik Trust. In addition, they have won awards from the PMC and also from the Rotary Foundation three times each.
Source: http://www.indianexpress.com/news/much-awarded-ganesh-mandal-keeps-tilak-tradition-alive/838204/
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