In 1894, he installed Ganesh idol in Kesari wada, Pune too and started preaching Ganesh Utsav. In 1893 Lokmanya Tilak praised the concept of Sarvajanik Ganesh Utsav in Kesari Newspaper. The first meeting regarding starting the Sarvajanik Ganesh utsav took place under the leadership of Bhausaheb Laxman Javale at his residence (Bhudwar Peth) now known as Bhau Rangari Bhavan. People can participate in cultural programmes, buy exquisite indigenous handicrafts and clothes, try several cuisines and observe the customs of Maharashtra. However, the public festival as celebrated in Maharashtra today, was introduced by Bhausaheb Laxman Javale in 1892 by installing first Sarvajanik (Public) Ganesh idol- Shrimant Bhausaheb Rangari Ganpati, Bhudwar Peth, in Pune. The Pune festival associated with Ganesh Utsav, is a most-awaited festival that showcases traditional culture and customs.The Pune festival offers great opportunity for people to enjoy. The festival was celebrated as a public event since the days of Maratha King Shivaji(1630–1680). Pune's famous and one of the oldest Bappa temples - Shreemant Dagdushekh Halwai Ganpati Mandir, is all decked up and Maha Bhog was offered to the Lord including modaks and sweets.
Some Hindus also install the clay images of Ganesha in their homes. These are immersed at the end of the festival in a body of water such as a lake, along with the idol.
The modern festival involves installing clay images of Ganesha in public pandals (temporary shrines), which are worshipped for ten days. The festival usually lasts for 10 days, ending on Anant Chaturdashi (fourteenth day of the waxing moon period). The date usually falls between August and September. The festival, also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi, is observed in the Hindu calendar month of Bhaadrapada, starting on the shukla chaturthi (fourth day of the waxing moon period). “The practice sessions are supervised by some senior people like Nikhil Joshi, Sukrut Gaikwad and Soumitra Bhotkar who guide us about the techniques,” added Mayur.Ganesha Chaturthi ( Gaṇēśa Caturthī or Vināyaka Caviti) is the Hindu festival celebrated in honour of the god Ganesha, who has an elephant-head. Talking with iamin, Mayur Ekal, a second-year engineering student said, “I have joined this group recently but I am thoroughly enjoying the practice sessions.” The two-year-old dhol pathak is a part of Tingrewadi’s Navshakti mitra mandal, a decade-old group that actively participates in most of the festivals in the city round the year.
Pune being a crowd puller during the annual Ganpati festival, these young drummers feel that it is the time they can showcase their skills while also worshiping Lord Ganesha through their art. Most of these drummers are young students and participate in this activity out of sheer interest. Ganesha Chaturthi (Gaa Caturth or Vinyaka Caviti) is the Hindu festival celebrated in honour of the god Ganesha, who has an elephant-head.The festival, also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi, is observed in the Hindu calendar month of Bhaadrapada, starting on the shukla chaturthi (fourth day of the waxing moon period). A number of dhol pathaks (drummers’ groups) now adorn the streets everyday across the city.Īmong the many groups is the Shreemant Maurya Dhol Pathak that has around 40 members, that has 15 girls. With Ganesh Chaturthi just around the corner, Pune youngsters are all set to welcome Lord Ganesha with the traditional dhols.