This Chaturthi – Visit Pune

“Ganpati Bappa Mourya, Pudhchya Varshi Laukar Ya”

I could hear everywhere from everyone on the last day of ANANT CHATURTHI—the last day of immersion, last year. Hundreds and thousands of devotees participating in a joyous procession on the immersion ceremony of the grand festival of GANESH CHATURTHI; echoing in unison was this popular enchantment, people praying Lord Ganesha—the god of wisdom, prosperity and good fortune to let them again have the fortune to welcome their Lord next year. And this made me realise that celebrating Ganesha Chaturthi in Maharashtra is much more fascinating than mentioned in books, blogs and newspapers.

All of the city is on the streets; dancing, playing with gulal, performing the famous “DHOL” show and celebrating with family and friends. This is the one festival that probably brings all of Pune to exhibit what it really stands for—the Culture of Maharashtra.

The city looks amazing—-with loud and noisy local processions, beautiful big, small idols of Lord Ganesha—-the PANDALS exhibiting Pune’s creativity and diversification. The streets appear brightened with beautiful lights and colours and décor, Punietes crowding to pay their devotees to the famous Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati, the amazing fairs, the “PUNERI NAACH-GAANA”, the DHOL CHA KARYAKRAM, the gulal face that everyone carries around and my all-time favourite—-all the amazing cuisines lined up across the streets for us to validate their delicacy and thus their existence. I believe the city looks equally charming even from the moon!

And SUCH IS THE CELEBRATION OF GANESHA CHATURTHI IN PUNE
Though Ganesha Chaturthi is celebrated with much enthusiasm in Mumbai and is also a popular destination during the festival, I believe the festival is celebrated with equal fervor in Pune. The famous Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati is a must-visit during the festival. It attracts a huge crowd of devotees and visitors right from the beginning of the 10 days long religious celebration. Although Pune remains at the peak of the celebrations and festivities during the festival, the city starts attracting visitors’ weeks before the commencement of the Chaturthi. People are always keen to witness the Annual Artisans fair where beautiful idols of Lord Ganesha are put to exhibition—-all presenting different themes, sizes and colours. The building of Pandals representing different clubs attracts many reporters and bloggers from across the country.

A tour to Pune during the festival of Ganesha Chaturthi becomes more appealing with the various scenic tourist attractions near Pune and the varied delicacies of the food fair during the same time.

Pune: the Cultural Capital of Maharashtra offers an amazing experience of its rich and varied heritage along with the fusion of modernization, so come visit Pune and give your family a sweet present of paying their devotee to Lord Ganesha this Chaturthi.

GANPATI BAPPA MOURYA, MANGAL MURTHY MOURYA