Archive · 15 Sep 2026
Pune Welcomes First Public Ganpati Amid Traditional Celebrations
Pune welcomed a famous Ganpati idol during a large traditional celebration.
The idol is regarded as India’s first public Ganpati.
Thousands of people joined the procession through several Pune streets.
Drummers played traditional dhol-tasha music as devotees chanted “Ganpati Bappa Morya.”
A group of Govindas made a seven-level human pyramid to welcome the idol.
Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia performed the special installation ceremony at a temple.
Swami Govind Dev Giri Maharaj said celebrations should avoid DJs and use Indian instruments instead.
People prayed for happiness, peace, health, prosperity and rainfall.
Shreemant Bhausaheb Rangari Ganpati, regarded as India’s first public Ganpati, arrived in Pune on Monday.
Thousands of devotees joined the traditional procession through central Pune before the idol was installed at Shri Ganesh Suvarnadham Temple.
Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia performed the Pran Pratishtha ceremony amid Vedic chants and traditional rituals.
Swami Govind Dev Giri Maharaj supported DJ-free celebrations and urged people to use Indian musical instruments.
The procession featured dhol-tasha performances, a seven-tier human pyramid, rainbow colours, gulal and devotional chants.
- Who
- The Shreemant Bhausaheb Rangari Ganpati Mandal, devotees, Swami Govind Dev Giri Maharaj, Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia and other participants.
- What
- The Shreemant Bhausaheb Rangari Ganpati idol arrived in a procession and was installed at Shri Ganesh Suvarnadham Temple.
- When
- On Monday; the procession reached the temple at around 12:30 p.m.
- Where
- Pune, Maharashtra, including Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Road, Budhwar Chowk, Appa Balwant Chowk, Bajirao Road and Shri Ganesh Suvarnadham Temple.
- Why
- The procession marked the Ganeshotsav celebration, while organizers prayed for peace, prosperity, good health, happiness and abundant rainfall.
Traditional, DJ-Free Celebrations
DJ-Based Festivities
Music and celebration style
Traditional, DJ-Free Celebrations
Swami Govind Dev Giri Maharaj said celebrations should use Indian musical instruments and traditional performances, arguing that DJ-driven dancing does not fit Indian traditions.
DJ-Based Festivities
DJ music is used during some celebrations, but the article does not quote supporters defending it or provide their reasons.
- Idol
- Shreemant Bhausaheb Rangari Ganpati, regarded as India’s first public Ganpati
- City
- Pune, Maharashtra
- Procession arrival
- The idol reached Shri Ganesh Suvarnadham Temple at around 12:30 p.m.
- Pran Pratishtha
- Performed by Padma Vibhushan flautist Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia
- Music and performances
- Traditional nagara and dhol-tasha performances accompanied the procession
- Special welcome
- Govindas formed a seven-tier human pyramid at Budhwar Chowk
- Appeal
- Swami Govind Dev Giri Maharaj advocated DJ-free celebrations using Indian musical instruments