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 […]
Ganesh Chaturthi 2012, Pune: Pandals, 1
Two days ago I wrote the following: “Ganesh Chaturthi starts with the installation of these Ganesh statues in colorfully decorated homes and specially erected temporary structures (pandals) in every locality. The pandals are erected by the people of a specific society or locality or group by collecting monetary contributions. The pandals are decorated specially for […]
Ganesh Chaturthi 2012, Pune: Idols
In my post from yesterday I wrote the following: “Two to three months before Ganesh Chaturthi, artistic clay models of Lord Ganesha are made for sale by specially skilled artisans. They are beautifully decorated and depict Lord Ganesh in poses. The size of these statues may vary from 3/4 of an inch to over 70 […]
Ganesh Chaturthi 2012, Pune
We were lucky to be in Pune during the famous Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations that last 10 days. What is Ganesh Chaturthi? How is it celebrated? Some exerpts from Wikipedia: Ganesha Chaturthi is the Hindu festival celebrated on the birthday (re-birth) of Lord Ganesha, the son of Shiva and Parvati. It is believed that Lord Ganesh bestows his presence […]
European amusement park in Pune
We saw there was a European Amusement park in Pune, combined with a replica of the Taj Mahal. Just having seen the real Taj Mahal, this temporary attraction in Pune intrigued me. So we decided to pay it a visit, just for fun… Our expectations were not very high. The use of the word european as […]
