Archive · 18 Aug 2026
Pune's Dagdusheth Ganpati Festival Features Vrindavan Prem Mandir Replica
In the city of Pune, people are getting ready for a big festival called Ganeshotsav, which celebrates Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed god.
This year marks the 134th time the celebration is being held at the famous Dagdusheth Ganpati temple.
The organizers are building a huge copy, called a replica, of a very beautiful temple named Prem Mandir in Vrindavan.
Prem Mandir is famous for its lovely carvings and decorations.
The replica will be about 120 feet long, 90 feet wide, and 100 feet high, which is as tall as a ten-story building.
The work officially started with a special blessing ceremony.
The whole decoration has a theme that says devotion becomes love, and love becomes something divine.
The replica will have big pillars and many sculptures, but the part where Lord Ganesha sits will be kept simple so everyone can see him.
Thousands of devotees are expected to enjoy this grand sight during the festival.
The Shrimant Dagdusheth Halwai Sarvajanik Ganpati Trust and Suvarnyug Tarun Mandal will create a replica of Vrindavan's Prem Mandir as the main decoration for this year's 134th Ganeshotsav.
Preparations formally began with a traditional Vastupujan ceremony at Jai Ganesh Prangan, the festival's traditional venue in Pune.
The replica will be designed around the theme 'Where devotion becomes love, and love becomes divine.'
The structure is expected to be approximately 120 feet long, 90 feet wide and 100 feet high.
Trust president Sunil Rasne said the replica will feature grand pillars and sculptures, with simpler pillar designs in the sanctum so devotees can see Lord Ganesha clearly.
- Who
- The Shrimant Dagdusheth Halwai Sarvajanik Ganpati Trust and Suvarnyug Tarun Mandal, with trust president Sunil Rasne overseeing preparations.
- What
- Building a replica of Vrindavan's Prem Mandir as the main decoration for the 134th Ganeshotsav.
- When
- During the upcoming Ganesh festival marking the 134th Ganeshotsav, with preparations beginning in advance of it.
- Where
- Pune, at Jai Ganesh Prangan, the festival's traditional venue.
- Why
- To serve as a major attraction for devotees visiting the Dagdusheth Ganpati celebrations.
- Event
- 134th Ganeshotsav, Pune
- Organizing Bodies
- Shrimant Dagdusheth Halwai Sarvajanik Ganpati Trust and Suvarnyug Tarun Mandal
- Main Decoration
- Replica of Vrindavan's Prem Mandir
- Theme
- Where devotion becomes love, and love becomes divine
- Planned Size
- Approximately 120 feet long, 90 feet wide and 100 feet high
- Venue
- Jai Ganesh Prangan, Pune
- Kickoff Ritual
- Traditional Vastupujan ceremony
- Art Director
- Nitesh Kumar