Ganeshotsav in Nagpur is known for its grand celebrations, but some mandals stand out not just for their elaborate pandals but also for their rich history and cultural legacy. One such name is the Shri Dakshinamurti Swayamsevak Ganeshotsav Mandal in Mahal, which has been celebrating Ganeshotsav for more than a century!
Why Is Dakshinamurti Ganeshotsav Mandal So Famous?
Established in 1920, the Dakshinamurti Ganeshotsav Mandal is celebrating its 107th year of festivities this year. What began as a small celebration at the residence of its founder president, the late Ganesh Balabhau Shetye, has grown into one of Nagpur’s well-known Ganeshotsav celebrations.
The mandal’s significance goes beyond its grand Ganpati celebrations. Over the years, Dakshinamurti Ganeshotsav has developed a reputation for using the festival as a platform for social awareness, cultural education and intellectual discussions.
Its history includes a long list of prominent personalities who have addressed audiences through its discussion and awareness programmes. These include writer Bhau Saheb Madkholkar, educationist V.B. Kolte, Vasantrao Sathe, Jambuwant Dhote, Justice Chandrashekhar Dharmadhikari and several other noted figures. In more recent years, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis have also been associated with the mandal’s platform.
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Another distinctive tradition is the national prayer recited after the aarti, which was composed by freedom fighter Vinayak Damodar Savarkar. The mandal has also used its celebrations to highlight the lives and contributions of personalities such as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Swami Vivekananda, Lokmanya Tilak and Dr APJ Abdul Kalam through its themed displays.
Theme Of Dakshinamurti Ganeshotsav Mandal This Year
According to The Hitavada, this year, the mandal is taking devotees to Alandi in Maharashtra. The main attraction will be an architectural recreation of the revered Alandi Temple, created to mark the 750th birth anniversary of Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj.
The theme aims to introduce visitors to Sant Dnyaneshwar’s life, teachings and connection with Alandi, where his Sanjeevan Samadhi is located. Through the recreation, the mandal hopes to bring the spiritual significance of the pilgrimage town closer to devotees in Nagpur.
The choice also continues the mandal’s tradition of recreating prominent temples and pilgrimage sites. Last year, its pandal recreated the Brihadeeswara Temple of Thanjavur, while previous celebrations have featured other culturally significant themes.
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How Big Is The Ganpati Idol?
The centrepiece of this year’s celebration will be a 14-foot-tall Ganesha idol, which will reach around 18 feet including its base pedestal, according to The Hitavada.
The idol has been crafted by sculptor Nilesh Ingle, who has been creating the mandal’s deity for more than a decade at his workshop in Nagpur’s Chitar Oli. The idol retains the traditional, unembellished posture that has been followed by the mandal over the years.
Apart from the Alandi-themed pandal, a Ganesh Yaag followed by Mahaprasad will be organised on Rishi Panchami. More than 100 volunteers are involved in preparing the celebrations this year.
With its century-old history, focus on cultural awareness and elaborate temple recreations, Dakshinamurti Ganeshotsav Mandal continues to be more than just a place to seek Bappa’s blessings.
This year, its Alandi-themed celebration brings together faith, history and the legacy of Sant Dnyaneshwar, giving devotees another reason to visit the historic Mahal mandal during Ganeshotsav.
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Cover Image Courtesy: Instagram/travelverse97
FAQs
How old is Dakshinamurti Ganeshotsav Mandal in Nagpur?
Dakshinamurti Ganeshotsav Mandal was established in 1920 and has a history spanning more than a century.
Why is Dakshinamurti Ganeshotsav Mandal famous?
The mandal is known for its long-standing Ganeshotsav tradition, elaborate celebrations and focus on social awareness, culture and public discussions.
What makes the mandal different from other Ganpati mandals in Nagpur?
Along with celebrating Ganpati, the mandal has traditionally used the festival to highlight historical personalities, social issues and cultural themes through its programmes and displays.