Pune, September 2024 : As Ganeshotsav celebrations continue with full fervor in Pune, one of the most talked-about attractions this year is the spectacular live depiction of the Shiva-Parvati Vivah ceremony by the Navjawan Mitra Mandal. Thousands of devotees have been flocking to witness this grand performance, which has quickly become one of the highlights of this year’s Ganeshotsav in Pune.
In a conversation with Chandrakant Keluskar, President of Navjawan Mitra Mandal, he shared, “We have been doing community education for years, and one of the main parts is the portrayal of Lord Ganesha’s scenes. This year, for the first time in Maharashtra, we have presented a live depiction of the Shiva-Parvati Vivah with over 100 talented artists. The enthusiastic response from devotees gives us immense energy to continue our efforts.”
The scene beautifully narrates Parvati’s journey in winning Lord Shiva’s heart, including the trials she endured and the spiritual practices she followed to achieve her goal. The depiction of the Shiva wedding procession is a major highlight, captivating the audience and making them feel as though they are witnessing the divine ceremony unfold in real-time.
Key artists, such as Sarika Kachi as Parvati and Vikram Patil as Shiva, have brought the mythological characters to life, while renowned directors and producers like Ganesh Kisanrao Lonare and Parag Borhadkar have led the project. The live scene has been meticulously designed, with expert sound recordings and arrangements adding to the grandeur.
Exciting Live Performance Highlights Pune’s Cultural Heritage
The highly anticipated procession in Pune is set to be a grand spectacle, organized by Deepak Kande Mohan Taj, Om Shri Kalbhairavanath Aghoriakhada Sangamner, and Shri Ganesh Kisanrao Lonare . The scene concept is meticulously crafted by Mr. Ganesh Kisanrao Lonare , with scene direction under the expertise of Mr. Parag Borhadkar. The arrangement of the performance has been coordinated by Mr. Atul Dalvi, Poonam Bhagwat, and Nilesh Khomane, while the scene sound recording is managed by Dhananjay Sathe and Jameer Tamboli.
The performance will feature a talented cast, including Sarika Kachi as Parvati, Vikram Patil as Shiva, Avadhoot Daiber as Nandi, Abhijeet Diwakar as Narad, Tirtha Kachi as Sakhi, Shivaji Chakraborty as Himawat Raja, Uma Chakraborty as Rani, Ashok Chavan as Brahma, and Tejas Kharade as Rishimuni.
Shrimant Shivsai Pratishthan Sadashiv Peth has been a beacon of historical and mythological live performances in Pune, thanks to the visionary efforts of Ganesh Kisanrao Lonare. Over the years, Ganesh Lonare has collaborated with a diverse group of artists, including officers and engineers, many of whom have made their mark in television serials and films. Notably, recent performances such as “Rani of Jhansi” have received widespread acclaim. This year’s procession promises to be another spectacular showcase of Pune’s rich cultural heritage.
The cultural and historical significance of the performance has also drawn praise on social media, with one user commenting, “It feels like we are truly witnessing the Shiva-Parvati Vivah in person. A must-see for everyone visiting Pune during Ganeshotsav.”
As the festival nears its conclusion, visitors are urged to experience this breathtaking spectacle before the final day. The live portrayal by Navjawan Mitra Mandal is not just a celebration of Ganeshotsav, but a testament to Pune’s rich tradition of combining history, culture, and devotion in its festivities.
