Ganesh Utsav is an integral part of Maharashtra’s cultural heritage. During this 10-day festivity, the entire state is drenched in the colours of celebration and happiness. And if you thought that Mumbai’s Ganpati celebration was out of the world, then Pune’s Ganeshotsav celebration is one for the books! After all, Lokmanya Tilak started the public celebration of this festival in Pune! Keeping in mind the historic and cultural relevance of Ganesh Utsav in the city, we have listed 8 iconic Ganpati Mandals in Pune that devotees must visit during this 10-day festival. Read on to know more about them and bookmark this for later!
8 Ganpati Mandals To Visit During Ganesh Utsav In Pune
1. Shrimant Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati
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The Dagadusheth Halwai Ganpati Temple hosts one of the most legendary mandals during the Ganesh Utsav. Thousands of devotees visit this temple every day and the number goes even higher during this 10-day festival. The beautiful yet simple temple boasts a rich history of over 100 years. The Shrimant Dagadusheth Halwai Ganapati Trust carries out philanthropic work with all the donations received by the temple. Every year, the Ganpati festival is celebrated with full gusto at the temple’s mandal. People from all over Pune visit the temple during Ganesh Utsav to pray for good health and prosperity.
Where: Ganpati Bhavan, 250, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Rd, Mehunpura, Budhwar Peth, Pune
2. Shrimant Bhausaheb Rangari Ganpati
Shrimant Bhausaheb Rangari’s Ganpati is quite unique. Unlike the smiling and serene Ganpati we see in temples, the idol installed in this temple depicts Lord Ganesha killing a demon. The temple is also home to the first Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal and India’s Oldest Ganeshotsav. Named after Shrimant Bhausaheb Rangari, a famous royal physician and a freedom fighter, the Utsav here was initiated after he witnessed the traditional public celebration in the Maratha-ruled Gwalior. You should visit this mandal in Pune during Ganesh Utsav just to see the rich history of the temple and the celebration!
Where: 662, 657, Bhau Rangari Road, Budhwar Peth, Pune
3. Shri Kasba Ganpati
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As we mentioned before, Pune’s history with Ganpati is very deep and old, and Shri Kasba Ganpati is the perfect example of that! It is believed that Shri Kasba Ganpati Temple was set up by Jijabai Bhosale, mother of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. In fact, people believe that Chhatrapati Shivaji never left for battle without visiting the temple. The temple is believed to be the gram daivat (patron deity) of Kasba Peth and holds great significance for the people in the city. Shri Kasba Ganpati is one of the five prominent Ganapati mandals in Pune that are often referred to as Manache Ganapati.
Where: 159, Kasba Peth Road, Yashodara Housing Society, Phadke Haud, Kasba Peth, Pune
4. Tambdi Jogeshwari Ganpati
The Tambdi Jogeshwari Temple in Pune is dedicated to Jogeshwari, sister of Lord Ganesha. The pandal is one of the largest in the city and is famous for its pomp and show. The temple authorities hold an annual “best-decorated idol” competition with other mandals in Pune and are quite famous for their elaborate and detailed idol adorned in fineries during the Ganesh Utsav.
Where: Narsinha Chintamani Kelkar Road, Budhwar Peth, Pune
5. Tulshibaug Ganpati
One of the most revered Ganapati in Pune, Tulshibaug Ganpati was established in 1901. One of the five Manache Ganpati, the idol in the temple is about 13 feet tall and weighs about 80 kg. For the Ganpati Utsav, the temple comes up with new themes and promotes awareness about environmental conservation. They make environmentally friendly idols for the Utsav and use recycled material to make them.
Where: 81, Budhwar Peth Rd, Tulshibaug, Budhwar Peth, Pune
6. Chhatrapati Rajaram Mandal
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Chhatrapati Rajaram Mandal is one of the oldest mandals of Pune city and it is famous for its unique and grand decorations. Each year, they work together with talented artisans to replicate famous temples from across India as part of the Mandal decoration and it is truly a sight for sore eyes! If you wish to see creativity at its best, then do visit this Mandal in Pune during the Ganesh Utsav.
Where: 871, Sadashiv Peth Rd, Perugate, Sadashiv Peth, Pune
7. Guruji Talim Ganpati
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The Guruji Talim Ganpati is the perfect example of unity and harmony! The mandal was established in 1887 by two Hindu and Muslim families of Bhiku Shinde and Ustaad Nalban. Guruji Talim Ganpati stands as an example of Hindu-Muslim unity in Pune. People from all over Pune, irrespective of their religion, come and pray at this mandal which is famous across the country for the communal harmony that it represents.
Where: 184, Laxmi Rd, Tulshibaug, Budhwar Peth, Pune
8. Kesari Wada Ganpati
Established in 1894, Kesari Wada Ganpati is one of the five Manache Ganpati of Pune. It is named after the Marathi newspaper Kesari which was started by Indian freedom fighter Bal Gangadhar Tilak. The building of this mandal was purchased by Tilak in 1905 from Maharaja Sayajirao Gaikwad. During Ganesh Utsav, an idol of Ganpati is placed on a silver palanquin and a procession is carried out by the devotees. It attracts lots of people from all over the city during this 10-day festival.
Where: 577, NC Kelkar Road, Narayan Peth, Pune
Also Read: Ganesh Chaturthi: Delhiites, Mumbai’s Iconic Lalbagh Ka Raja Is Coming To Delhi NCR This Year
So, if you’re celebrating Ganesh Utsav in Pune this year, then make sure you visit these iconic mandals to make the most of these festivities.
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva (representative image)
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