Ten days of Festival

Being the first honored Ganpati, Shri Kasba Ganpati Mandal celebrates Ganpati Festival every year with the same cultural tradition as it was started in the year 1893 by great freedom fighter Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak. Festival days are the days that no one can forget as the Mandal celebrates Ganesh Chathurthi festival is celebrated with great zeal and enthusiasm. The Mandal volunteers as well as the common man takes an active part in all the activities of the Mandal.

The festival starts with the installation rituals of Lord Ganesh on the occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi. On this day, the idol of Lord Ganesh is carried into the Utsav Mandap. During the procession devotees place the idol of Lord Ganesh in a Palkhi, which is carried on shoulders. The palkhi is made up of silver. After coming into the Utsav Mandap Lord Ganesh is installed by a sacred person. In Marathi, it is called as ‘Pranpratishtha’. After the installation, everyone participates in the pooja and arti of Lord Ganesh and thus commences the ten day long festival.

During the festival days, the Mandal conducts various social as well as cultural programs for personal and social development. The Mandal conducts Bhajans, and Satsang programs. Various groups come and sing the Bhajans with great dignity and devotion. Apart from cultural programs, social programs like free eye check-up and blood check-up programs, interviews of social workers, debates are conducted which creates social awareness in public. For children, a “Vividh-Gundarshan” program is organized in which children between the age group of 3 to 12 years perform various plays, dance, and display their talents in the field of music, poetry, and art. The activity builds a sense of belongingness and teamwork among the youth.

The Mandal also believes in women empowerment. One day of the Ganesh Chathurthi festival is dedicated to women. On this day, all the Mandal activities are taken care by female volunteers, which help them to utilize their skills, and creativity in a social manner. The activities include performing morning Aarti, evening Pooja, receiving and taking care of guests, and managing all the support activities.

The last day is the most important day for every one as the idol of Lord Ganesh is immersed on this day. Shri Kasba Ganpati Mandal leads the immersion procession. Shri Kasba Ganpati starts the immersion procession, followed by the other mandals in Pune city. These ten days bring everyone together. Bond by their love and devotion for Lord Ganesh people work with a zeal making it a socio-cultural development of individuals.