Archive · 19 Sep 2026
Pune Ganpati Pandals Bring Mythology and History Alive on Stage
During Ganeshotsav, some Pune pandals are becoming small theaters.
They do this by showing stories through live performances.
Actors wear costumes and speak dramatic dialogues.
Music, lights and sets make the stories feel real.
Visitors stop and watch instead of only looking at the decorations.
The stories include mythology, history and popular tales.
One mandal is showing the story of Markandeya.
Other mandals are presenting Kantara and a story about Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj meeting the British.
Some Pune Ganpati mandals are using live performances instead of only elaborate decorations to attract visitors.
These jivant dekhavas feature actors, costumes, dialogue, music, lighting and specially built sets.
The performances cover mythology, history and popular stories, including Markandeya, Kantara and Ali Baba and Chalis Chor.
Vijay Maruti Mandal in Narayan Peth is presenting the story of Markandeya.
Other presentations include Shivaji Tarun Mandal’s Kantara and Fani Aali Talim Mandal’s depiction of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s encounter with the British.
- Who
- Pune Ganpati mandals, performers and visitors.
- What
- Mandal committees are presenting jivant dekhavas, or live theatrical displays, during Ganeshotsav.
- When
- During Ganeshotsav.
- Where
- At Ganpati pandals in Pune, including areas such as Narayan Peth, Shukrawar Peth, Kasba Peth and FC Road.
- Why
- To tell stories and attract visitors through live performances alongside Ganesh darshan.
- Event
- Ganeshotsav
- Format
- Jivant dekhava, or live theatrical presentation
- Performance elements
- Actors, costumes, dialogues, music, lighting and sets
- Vijay Maruti Mandal
- Presenting the story of Markandeya in Narayan Peth
- Shivaji Tarun Mandal
- Presenting Kantara in Shukrawar Peth
- Fani Aali Talim Mandal
- Presenting Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s encounter with the British in Kasba Peth
- Kesariya Mandal
- Presenting a Shiv Tandav jivant dekhava on FC Road