Padma Shri Pt Vijay Ghate, along with wife, performs pooja
Pune: The pioneer of the Ganeshotsav, Shrimant Bhausaheb Rangari Trust’s Ganpati arrived in a traditionally decorated chariot in a grand procession, with the accompaniment of the Dhol-Tasha beats, blowing of the conch and demonstrations of martial games on Tuesday. Later, the idol was installed at the Omkar Mahal by performing the pooja.
The majestic procession started at 9.30 am from the Shrimant Bhausaheb Rangari Bhavan in the chariot. The Shriram Pathak comprising people wearing white caps, the Kalawant Pathak comprising actors from the Marathi filmdom in traditional Puneri attires, the Gajar Pathak and the conch-blowers’ troupe participated in the procession, which progressed via Appa Balwant Chowk, Bajirao Road and Shaniwarwada. Later, it reached the Shrimant Bhausaheb Rangari Trust. Numerous Ganesh devotees joined the procession.
Meanwhile, thousands of Puneites crowded the streets to witness the grandiose march. Most of them were young people, who were busy taking selfies and candid photos.
The idol was brought at around 12.30 pm in the Omkar Mahal. Then Tabla maestro Padma Shri Vijay Ghate, along with his wife, performed the pooja and installed the Ganesh idol. Shrimant Bhausaheb Rangari Trust Trustee and Celebration Chief Punit Balan, Janhavi Dhariwal-Balan, other trustees, office-bearers of the trust and devotees were present.
Celebration Chief Punit Balan said, “Various social and religious programmes will be held in the next 10 days by our Trust. A health camp will also be organised for devotees.”
“The pioneer of the Ganeshotsav, Shrimant Bhausaheb Rangari Trust’s Ganpati has been installed by Pt Vijay Ghate. We prayed for bountiful rains across the country to dispel the shadow of a drought. This will make farmers in the country happy and there will be happiness, peace and prosperity.”
-Punit Balan, Trustee & Celebration Chief, Shrimant Bhausaheb Rangari Ganpati Trust
“I am fortunate that I got the opportunity to install the Ganesh idol of India’s pioneering Ganesh Mandal. I prayed to the Lord for the wellbeing of all the people.”
-Padma Shri Vijay Ghate, Tabla maestro
