Pune, September 2024 : Pune, often hailed as the cultural capital of Maharashtra, is once again at the heart of Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations. The arrival ceremony of the city’s five most respected Ganpatis—Kasba Ganapati, Tambadi Jogeshwari Ganapati, Guruji Talim Ganapati, Tulshibagh Ganapati, and Kesari Wada Ganapati—was completed amidst large crowds of devotees from across the state.
As a city steeped in history, Pune is credited with pioneering the tradition of public Ganesh festivals. Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak’s vision of a collective celebration began here, and since then, these five Manache Ganpatis (Respected Ganpatis) have held a special place in the hearts of Punekars and devotees from across the state.
- Kasba Ganpati (First Manacha Ganpati)
The first among them, Kasba Ganapati, the presiding deity of Pune, holds the highest honor and leads the grand Ganeshotsav procession every year.
2. Tambdi Jogeshwari Ganpati (Second Manacha Ganpati)
The second honored Ganpati is Tambadi Jogeshwari Ganapati, housed within the Tambadi Jogeshwari Devi Temple, where thousands of devotees gather for darshan.
3. Guruji Talim Ganpati (Third Manacha Ganpati)
The third spot belongs to Guruji Talim Ganapati, a symbol of communal harmony, representing unity among Punekars since its establishment.
4. Tulshibaug Ganpati (Fourth Manacha Ganpati)
The Tulshibagh Ganapati, known for its imposing idol, holds the fourth honor. Its large size and beauty attract huge crowds daily.
5. Kesariwada Ganpati (Fifth Manacha Ganpati)
The fifth and final honored Ganpati is the Kesari Wada Ganapati, installed by Lokmanya Tilak himself, the very symbol of Pune’s public Ganesh festival tradition.
These five Ganpatis represent the city’s rich cultural heritage and spiritual devotion, drawing devotees in large numbers not just from Pune but from all over Maharashtra. Along with these, other monumental Ganpatis, like the famous Shrimant Dagdusheth Halwai Ganapati, Akhil Mandai Ganpati, Bhau Rangari Ganpati, Hatti Ganpati, Babu Genu Ganpati continue to pull in devotees from far and wide, making Pune a vibrant hub of Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations.
