Archive · 20 Sep 2026
VVIPs Visit Pune Ganpati Mandal During Ganeshotsav Celebrations
Several well-known people visited a famous Ganpati mandal in Pune.
They came during the Ganeshotsav festival to pray to Lord Ganesha.
Lieutenant General Rajesh Pushkar said he enjoyed seeing Pune’s special festival traditions.
Badminton player Saina Nehwal spoke about her happy memories in Pune.
She said young athletes need help from families, better chances and good sports facilities.
She also hoped India would become a stronger sporting nation.
Nehwal said India should keep working toward hosting the Olympics.
Rohit Pawar said Ajit Pawar was missed during the festival.
He also prayed for farmers and students.
Many devotees visited the mandal throughout the day.
Lieutenant General Rajesh Pushkar, Saina Nehwal and Rohit Pawar visited Pune’s Shrimant Bhausaheb Rangari Ganpati Mandal.
The visitors offered prayers to Lord Ganesha during the ongoing Ganeshotsav celebrations.
Saina Nehwal recalled Pune’s importance in her sporting career and urged stronger support for young athletes.
Nehwal said India should strengthen its sporting infrastructure and work toward hosting the Olympics.
Rohit Pawar said Ajit Pawar was missed and prayed for farmers facing drought-like conditions and MPSC students.
- Who
- Lieutenant General Rajesh Pushkar, Saina Nehwal and Rohit Pawar were among the prominent visitors.
- What
- They visited the Shrimant Bhausaheb Rangari Ganpati Mandal and offered prayers during Ganeshotsav.
- When
- Saturday, during the ongoing Ganeshotsav celebrations.
- Where
- Shrimant Bhausaheb Rangari Ganpati Mandal in Pune.
- Why
- They visited to seek Lord Ganesha’s blessings; the festival also provided an occasion to discuss sporting opportunities, farmers and students.
- Festival
- Ganeshotsav
- Venue
- Shrimant Bhausaheb Rangari Ganpati Mandal, Pune
- Military visitor
- Lieutenant General Rajesh Pushkar, GOC-in-C of Southern Command
- Sporting visitor
- Badminton player Saina Nehwal
- Political visitor
- NCP (SP) leader Rohit Pawar
- Nehwal’s message
- She called for stronger support, opportunities and infrastructure for young athletes.
- Devotee turnout
- The mandal saw a large turnout, with devotees arriving throughout the day.