9 Ganpati Pandals in Pune Not to Miss

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Planning to visit some of the famous Ganpati pandals in Pune?

Unlike Mumbai’s grand Ganeshotsav celebrations, Pune offers a more traditional experience. There is no doubt that Pune has its style of celebrating this festival of Lord Ganesha. Hence, you will find people flocking to various Ganpati pandals in Pune where they can seek blessings and pray to Lord Ganesha.

Historically, Pune started celebrating sarvajanik (public) Ganeshotsav before Mumbai. Hence, Punekars can proudly say that Pune is the birthplace of the annual Ganeshotsav. However, the celebrations in Pune are a bit different from that in Mumbai.

As you explore various Ganesh pandals in Pune you will find that Punekars do give priority to the five revered Ganpati mandals. These mandals are locally known as “Manache Ganpati” and these pandals attract more crowds than the rest.

What Does Manache Ganpati Mean?

The five Manache Ganpati idols or pandals in Pune have historical and cultural significance. Also, these idols and pandals have connections with the rulers and prominent historical figures which make them most revered and respected in every sense.

We will learn about their historical and cultural significance as we explore them one by one below. Also, these Manache Ganpati idols get the privilege of going through the immersion process before the other mandals.

However, apart from the Manache 5 Ganpati pandals in Pune, there are many other famous pandals that you should not miss out on. If you are pandal hopping in Pune for the best Ganesh murti in Pune you can make use of this list.

1. Kasba Ganpati (Manacha Pahila Ganpati)

Officially known as Shri Kasba Ganpati Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal, this is the first Manache Ganpati in Pune. Established in 1893, this is the most revered Ganpati in Pune and hence gets the most crowds. Known as the Gram Daivat (presiding deity), this Ganesh murti was installed by Jijabai and Shivaji Maharaj in 1639.

Historically, in the year 1630 AD, Queen Jijabai Bhosale with her 12-year-old son Shivaji arrived in Pune. In that era, Pune was badly damaged by Adilshah’s attack. The young Shivaji was disturbed at the plight of the mavals and vowed to liberate them from the grasp of Mughal cruelty.

At the same time, an idol of Lord Ganesha was found close to Jijabai’s residence. She took this as a sign and an auspicious moment and promptly rebuilt a temple known as Shri Kasba Ganpati Mandir. Vinayak Bhat Thakar, in charge of the temple, would perform the daily service at the temple discreetly.

If you’d read my 7 historic Ganesh murtis in Mumbai post, you would know that in 1893, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, a great freedom fighter initiated the Ganesh festival as a workaround for bans imposed by the British East India Company.

The idea behind the festival was to bring together like-minded people and share ideas and thoughts on freeing India from the British.

With the establishment of various pandals in Pune, immersion procession soon became a matter of privilege. To resolve this dispute, Tilak granted the privilege to Shri Kasba Ganpati, the oldest deity in Pune.

Hence, as the first Manache Ganpati in Pune, this idol goes through the immersion process before the others. Since 1926, the residents decided to celebrate it in an enclosed mandap for the devotees rather than from a temple.

2. Tambdi Jogeshwari Ganpati (Manacha Dusra Ganpati)

While the Kasba Peth Ganpati is known as the Gram Daivat, Tambdi Jogeshwari is called the Gram Devata (presiding God) of Pune. Given the status of “Manacha Dusra Ganpati” by Lokmanya Tilak himself, this is the second-most revered Ganesh murti in Pune.

Tambdi Jogeshwari temple is known as one of the oldest temples in Pune built around 1545. However, during the Mughal attack, the temple was in bad shape. After the arrival of Queen Jijabai along with his 12-year-old son Shivaji, she ordered to reinstate the Kasba and Tambdi Jogeshwari Temple.

In 1893, when Tilak initiated the Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav, he granted Tambdi Jogeshwari Ganpati the privilege of the “Dusra Manacha Ganpati” making it the second-most revered Ganesh idol in Pune.

During the immersion process, women participate in the procession and perform stunts like sword fights and horse riding keeping the tradition alive.

3. Guruji Talim Ganpati (Manacha Teesra Ganpati)

Holding the third spot as the most revered Ganesh murti in Pune is Guruji Talim Ganpati Pune. This is among the most famous Ganpati pandals in Pune known for its unique history.

Located on Laxmi Road, this is the first Ganesh mandal in Pune to spread the message of communal harmony. Established in 1887, Nanasaheb Bhrivile, Bhiku Shinde and Sheikh Kasam Vallad started this pandal symbolizing the Hindu-Muslim unity.

The mandal is among the oldest Ganesh mandals in Pune. One of the unique things about this Ganesh mandal is that since 1987, the mandal has stopped subscriptions from the residents. Instead, the mandal’s core members celebrate this festival at their expense.

Unlike other Ganesh idols that stand several feet tall, Guruji Talim Ganpati is small in size and made from shadu clay making it eco-friendly.

4. Tulsibaug Ganesh Mandal (Manacha Chautha Ganpati)

Established in 1901, Tulsibaug Ganesh Mandal takes the fourth place and is known as the Manacha Chautha Ganpati. Located in a busy marketplace just a few kilometres away from Swargate Station, this mandal is known for its innovative decorations.

With its lively atmosphere and unique decoration ideas, this is one of the famous Ganpati pandals in Pune that you must visit. The mandal is also associated with various social reforms and activities that make this Ganesh mandal unique in its way.

5. Kesariwada Ganesh Mandal (Manacha Panchva Ganpati)

Taking the fifth spot is the Kesariwada Ganpati which is also one of the oldest Ganpati pandals in Pune. The idol was first installed by Lokmanya Tilak himself but the idol was then moved to Kesari wada. The mandal focuses on various social and contemporary causes in society.

Being the home of Bal Gangadhar Tilak, this remains one of the most revered Ganesh murti in Pune. If you are a history buff you can also explore the home of the freedom fighter when you are visiting this pandal.

Apart from these five most revered Ganpatis in Pune, you should also explore these famous Ganpati pandals in Pune when you are here.

6. Shreemant Dagdusheth Ganpati

Relatively newer to the Manache Ganpati idols, this one gets a lot of attention and remains a popular Ganesh murti in Pune. Historically, this Ganesh idol was installed by Shri Dagdusheth Halwai (a sweet seller) and his wife Lakshmibai when they lost their only son to the plague epidemic. Henceforth, the entire family of Dagdusheth including the neighbourhood participated in the public festival.

Over many decades, this mandal grew organically becoming one of the most prestigious and renowned mandals in Pune. Devotees looking for some grand decorations would love to explore this pandal in Pune.

If you are planning to pandal hop in Pune, you can use my tips on pandal hopping in Mumbai and implement them in Pune.

7. Babu Genu Navsacha Ganpati

Officially known as “Hutatma Babu Genu Ganesh Mandal”, this is one of the famous Ganpati mandals that you should not miss when you are in Pune. Historically, Babu Genu was born to a family of farmers. However, worked as a mill worker in Bombay and raised his voice against various trade practices of British companies in India. He played a role in the Indian Independence Movement.

One of the unique things about this mandal is that they designed exquisite set pieces that resemble various temples across India. Hence, if you are someone who loves to enjoy grand decorations you should not miss this one.

8. Shrimant Bhausaheb Rangari Ganpati

One of the famous Ganpati pandals in Pune that should be on your list is Shrimant Bhausaheb Rangari Ganpati. Established in 1892, this mandal focuses on conveying revolutionary messages through its idols.

Inspired by Tilak’s idea of establishing a public festival, Shrimant Bhausaheb Rangari started a public Ganeshotsav directing the freedom struggle of the society in a new way. Over various decades, the mandal has managed to carry forward the idea of using a public festival to serve the country and its citizens through messages given in the mandal.

9. Natu Baug Ganpati

While speaking of famous Ganpati pandals in Pune Natu Baug Ganpati must be on your list. This Ganesh mandal is quite different from the rest because it focuses on its stunning light display.

This is unlike any other Ganesh pandal that you will find in Pune. While the Ganesh murti here is small and traditional the immersive lights display is the key factor. This offers devotees something unique that other mandals do not offer.

Conclusion

Ganpati pandals in Pune are vibrant epicentres of cultural and community spirit. Each year, they bring together people from all walks of life to celebrate the birth of Lord Ganesha. These Ganpati pandals range from the historic Kasba Ganpati to the modern Natu Baug Ganpati where light displays steal the show.

Apart from being a temporary place of worship these pandals are platforms to showcase elaborate decorations and artistic expression in forms of social messages and themes. These Ganpati pandals in Pune also reflect the city’s rich heritage and deep-rooted traditions fostering a sense of unity.