Pune, Maharashtra – The annual Ganesh Visarjan procession in Pune concluded after a marathon celebration that lasted for 28 hours and 40 minutes, making it the second-longest visarjan in the city in the last seven years. Despite the Pune City Police’s efforts to encourage an early conclusion to the procession this year, many ganesh mandals chose to continue the revelry well into the day.
Last year marked the record for the longest visarjan in recent history, with the procession taking a staggering 31 hours to conclude. While some prominent mandals like Manache Ganpati Ganesh Mandals and Shreemant Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati concluded their immersions early this year, several others decided to prolong the festivities. This resulted in long queues of ganesh mandals snaking their way through Tilak Road and Laxmi Road, a spectacle that lasted until Friday afternoon.
The procession timings for the last few years are as follows:
- 2016: 28 Hours 30 Minutes
- 2017: 28 Hours 05 Minutes
- 2018: 27 Hours 15 Minutes
- 2019: 24 Hours
- 2020 and 2021: No Processions Due to COVID Pandemic
- 2022: 31 Hours
- 2023: 28 Hours 40 Minutes
This year’s visarjan duration, although shorter than the previous year’s record, still showcased the fervor and enthusiasm of the citizens of Pune in celebrating the beloved elephant-headed god. The processions are a testament to the cultural significance and unity that the Ganesh Chaturthi festival brings to the city, as thousands gather to bid adieu to Lord Ganesha amidst music, dance, and colorful decorations.
While the Pune City Police had hoped for a swifter conclusion, the passion and devotion of the people ensured that the celebrations continued for an extended period. As the idols of Lord Ganesha made their way to the waters, devotees sang hymns and offered their prayers, marking the end of this year’s grand festivities.
In the years to come, Pune’s Ganesh Visarjan procession is expected to continue capturing the hearts and spirits of its residents, with each celebration bringing new stories and experiences to cherish.
