Dagdusheth Ganpati Mandal’s Big Decision to End Pune Ganesh Visarjan Procession on Time

The Dagdusheth Ganesh Mandal has a storied history dating back to 1894 when Lokmanya Tilak initiated the public Ganesh festival in Pune. By 1896, the wealthy Dagdusheth Halwai started the festival with a second idol of Ganapati. Although Dagdusheth Halwai passed away shortly after, the tradition continued and has grown into a celebrated event, with the temple marking its 125th anniversary in 2017.

The famous Ganesh Visarjan procession in Pune, known for drawing crowds from across the country and even abroad, will conclude on time this year, thanks to a significant decision by the Shrimant Dagdusheth Ganesh Mandal. In a press conference, the Dagdusheth Ganapati Trust confirmed that they will participate in the immersion procession at 4:00 PM, as they did last year.

This decision is expected to ensure that the entire immersion procession in Pune finishes earlier than usual. The trust also announced the creation of a replica of the Jatoli Shiva temple in the Himalayas, where a Pranapratistha ceremony will take place on Ganesh Chaturthi at 11:11 AM, led by Gnanaraj Maharaj Manik Prabhu of the Sri Datta sect from Karnataka.

The Dagdusheth Ganapati Mandal has also made arrangements for 31,000 women to recite the Atharvashirsha on Rishi Panchami, continuing the tradition of devotion and grandeur. For devotees unable to attend in person, the Mandal will offer 24-hour darshan through social media. The immersion procession will commence from the main temple at 8:30 AM, featuring a specially prepared lion chariot.