PUNE, September 13: Pune Festival marked the beginning of this year’s Ganeshotsav celebrations with a traditional ‘Mangalacharan’ ceremony at Alka Talkies Chowk, bringing together dhol-tasha performances, folk traditions, a grand rangoli and prominent Ganesh mandal representatives.
The ceremony was held on Saturday near the statue of freedom fighter Senapati Bapat and formally set the cultural tone for Pune’s upcoming Ganesh festivities.
Grand Rangoli Unveiled at Ceremony
A major attraction of the programme was a large rangoli featuring the Pune Festival emblem, created by artist Amar Lande of the National Kala Akademi Trust and his team.
The traditional atmosphere was further enhanced by a performance from the Shivmudra Dhol Pathak, whose dhol-tasha beats marked the beginning of the festive season in the city.
Dignitaries Join Traditional Celebrations
Several political, civic and cultural representatives attended the programme, including MP Medha Kulkarni, Pune Mayor Manjusha Nagpure, Pune Festival president Krishnakumar Goyal, SPPU Pro-Vice-Chancellor Parag Kalkar and festival general secretary Satish Desai.
Participants also joined the celebrations by playing traditional dhol and cymbals. Kulkarni, Nagpure, Goyal and Desai took part in a fugdi folk dance, adding a community element to the opening ceremony.
Pune’s ‘Manache Ganapati’ Mandals Participate
Representatives of Pune’s prestigious five Manache Ganapati mandals were also present at the ceremony.
These included representatives from:
- Shri Kasba Ganapati Mandal
- Shri Tambadi Jogeshwari Ganapati Mandal
- Guruji Talim Ganpati Mandal
- Shri Tulshibaug Ganapati Mandal
- Kesariwada Ganapati Mandal
Office-bearers from the Shrimant Dagdusheth Halwai Ganapati Mandal and other prominent Ganesh mandals also attended.
Meaning Behind ‘Mangalacharan’
Pune Festival president Krishnakumar Goyal explained that Mangalacharan refers to prayers offered at the beginning of an auspicious undertaking, seeking welfare, prosperity and a successful beginning.
The ceremony therefore symbolically opened Pune’s festive season ahead of Ganeshotsav, combining religion, folk culture, music and community participation.
Ganeshotsav Preparations Gather Pace
Pune is preparing for Ganeshotsav beginning September 14, with mandals, markets and public spaces across the city gearing up for large crowds.
Authorities have also introduced traffic restrictions and other arrangements in central Pune to manage increased movement during the festival period.
source – Times of India
Supreme News Network
