After 10 days of worshipping the Ganesha idols at home, in temples and in the streets, it is time to say farewell to Bappa (another name for Ganesh) and immerse him in the river. For the official idols this is definitely the scenario. For private and smaller idols there are more possible immersion dates within […]
Ganesh Chaturthi 2012, Pune: idols on tour
At one point the idols are driven around through the streets. The Ganesha’s, their thrones and decorations are loaded on a chariot, pulled by a tractor. Often some children travel along on the chariot and a couple of men that are holding on to the idol to keep it safe. Here are some examples: And […]
Ganesh Chaturthi 2012, Pune: saturday night fever
Although many locals warned us that going into town during Ganesh Chaturthi on a saturday night would be a challenge, due to the crowds, we decided to take our chances. The old city centre was made traffic free and the streets were indeed crawling with people. There was all sorts of stuff for sale, people […]
Ganesh Chaturthi 2012, Pune: drum bands
An important element in the celebrations of Ganesh Chaturthi is the music performed by drum bands and brass bands. Idols that are being paraded around, on carts and cars, are accompanied and proceeded by dhol tasha troupes. Groups of men, though nowadays also girls are seen, dressed in similar outfits, playing (and dancing to) very […]
Ganesh Chaturthi 2012, Pune: Pandals, 5
Another big pandal, (literally) besides Dagdusheth’s, is from Babu Genu Mandal. This one too, I saw getting built in the weeks prior to Ganesh Chaturthi: This pandal depicts the Ajanta caves: Pond in front of pandal. With pot to throw coins in. Clearly a cave, thanks to the paper-mache material that they used. The Ganesh idol […]
Ganesh Chaturthi 2012, Pune: dangers and safety
If you read the local newspapers, you get an idea of which safety risks are involved in a big event as this one and what is done about that. 1. A few years ago there was swine flu going around, what tempered the enthusiasme for the celebrations in that year. Many people were wearing mouthmasks […]
Ganesh Chaturthi 2012, Pune: crowds, queues and coconuts
In my explanation of Ganesh Chaturthi a week ago, I wrote this: Ganesha is worshipped for 10 days. Coconut, sweets, special grass and red flowers are offered. The offering of a coconut is symbolic. The breaking of the coconut represents the breaking of the ego, giving room to a purified ‘inside’ (the coconut fluid representing […]
Ganesh Chaturthi 2012, Pune: Pandals, 4
So we continue with Dagdusheth Ganpati’s replica of the Hawa Mahal of Jaipur. Walking through Pune some weeks ago I came across this construction site. It was huge! I wondered what is was and soon found out that it was for Ganesh Chaturthi. It is a replica (from wooden plate material) of the famous Rajasthan palace […]
Ganesh Chaturthi 2012, Pune: Pandals, 3
Today we take a closer look at the Ganesh celebrations of and around Dagdusheth temple. I am sure, that like me, you will be amazed and impressed! First of all the temple itself is beautifully decorated and lit up. Normally the temple looks like this: Already quite beautiful, isn’t it?! Wait till you see what […]
Ganesh Chaturthi 2012, Pune: Pandals, 2
Walking through Pune during the 11 days of Ganesh, you encounter numerous Ganesh idols and pandals everywhere, from small to large. There are though some Ganesha’s in the city that are considered the most famous and important. The newspaper highlights one of those each day, describing the history and context of that specific statue. Several […]