Pune, the cultural heart of Maharashtra, witnessed a magnificent spectacle on Tuesday morning as the Shrimant Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati, one of the city’s most beloved Ganesh mandals, commenced its grand procession from Shri Hanuman Rath. This vibrant procession, attended by thousands of devotees, echoed with fervent chants of “Jai Ganesha… Ganpati Bappa Morya… Mangalmurti Morya…” and “Jai Shriram, Jai Shriram.”
The procession embarked from the temple and traversed a path through Tambadi Jogeshwari Mandir, Appa Balwant Chowk, Nagarkar Talim Chowk, Shanipar Chowk, and Tilak Putala Mandai, culminating at Utsav Mandai. Adding to the festivities, various musical ensembles, including the Gandaksh Dhol Tasha team, Devlankar Brothers Choughda, Gaikwad Brothers Sanai, Darbar Band, Prabhat Band, and Mayur Band, participated wholeheartedly.
A significant highlight of the day was the inauguration of the Shri Ram temple replica in Ayodhya at 10:23 AM on the auspicious occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi by Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Dr. Mohan Bhagwat.
Among the dignitaries present at the event were Shrimant Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Trust President Manik Chavan, Vice President Dr. Ramchandra aka Balasaheb Paranjpe, Sunil Rasane, Treasurer Mahesh Suryavanshi, General Secretary Hemant Rasane, Festival Chief Akshay Godse, Joint Secretary Amol Kedari, and Suvarnayug Tarun Mandal President Prakash Chavan.
Dr. Bhagwat conveyed his prayers for global peace, prosperity, and mutual harmony. He expressed his wish for India to lead the way in happiness and peace, while also praying for a disease-free nation. He emphasized that these aspirations should resonate from Pune to the entire world.
As Rishi Panchami approaches on September 20, 31 thousand women will collectively recite Arthvashirsha at 6 AM. The event will witness the presence of notable figures, including Joint Police Commissioner Sandeep Karnik. Additionally, from 10 PM to 3 AM, the Bharatiya Warkari Mandal will serve the community through Hari Jagar, spreading the essence of devotion and service.
