Mid-day Specials | Ganeshotsav in Pune: Are traditional values still at the core?

Ganeshotsav is celebrated with much fervour across the country, but this city in Maharashtra has a special connection. It's not only the birthplace of the community celebrations that we now associate with the festival, but also a treasure trove of historical anecdotes and traditions that have shaped this cultural phenomenon over the years.

Pune, the city that initiated the ‘Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav' - large-scale public celebrations of the Ganesh festival - originally did so to unite people in the fight against the British regime. As a hub for freedom fighters and social activists, Pune maintained social reform as a central theme of the festivities, with mandals actively engaging in social work and conveying social messages through public pandals. But does this traditional spirit of social consciousness still resonate in Pune's Ganeshotsav celebrations today?

"Nilesh Deepak Vakil, Trustee and Karyadhyaksh of the Shree Kasba Ganpati Mandal, says, 'Over the years, we have made efforts to raise awareness about various social issues during Ganeshotsav. At Kasba Ganpati, we focus on two key areas: education and rural development. Each year, we sponsor the education of at least 70 children and have also adopted a village called Khandobachiwadi.'"

Kasba Ganpati is one of the oldest and most revered Ganpati mandals in Pune, known for its grand celebrations and activities during the 10-day festivities. "We promote a social message every year. This year, it's about the dangers of mobile addiction. After all, this festival began with a focus on freedom and social issues, so we should unite for causes that serve the community," Vakil further explains.

While some Ganpati mandals are keeping the spirit of social reform alive, the essence of the festival is changing in the city.

Also Read: Ganesh Chaturthi 2023: From chocolate modak to shrikhand tart, here are innovative recipes to try this festive season

How is Ganeshotsav evolving in Pune?

Prashanti, a Pune resident who has observed the festival closely, has seen many changes over the years - some that have increased community participation and others that have taken away from the original purpose.

She states, "Earlier, there used to be small, intimate gatherings in homes or community spaces. But now there are large, public events with grand mandaps and widespread participation. Even the atmosphere has changed. It used to be quiet, reflective and focused on community prayer and spiritual connection. Now, the environment is much more vibrant and energetic, and focused on social gatherings, with elements of public awareness campaigns."

Anand Khandelwal, Founder and Secretary, Nadbrahma Dhol Tasha Dhwaj Pathak Trust, Pune, also notes the shift from a focus on spirituality to other elements.

"I have been associated with the dhol-tasha tradition since 1999. My whole childhood was spent very close to the place where Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav's foundation was laid. I stay in the heart of the city and so, I have observed the festival very closely. Earlier, there was a lot of spirituality. Now, I wouldn't say it has declined but there has been a change in the way the festival is celebrated. Bhajan-kirtan, dhol tasha and other traditions used to adorn the festival. Now, there is innovation and somewhere, the tradition is taking a backseat. Sometimes, it feels like Ganeshotsav is a competition," he expresses.

What other changes have occurred in the way this festival is celebrated?

Olkar points out, "The celebrations and processions were characterised by soft, traditional Marathi songs and use of drums and traditional instruments. Now, there's loud, often DJ-driven music, including popular and non-devotional songs."

"Also, these days, Ganesh idols are being crafted to reflect popular movie trends, with designs inspired by characters from films like Pushpa, Kantara, Bajirao Mastani, or even dressed in police uniforms. Instead of preserving the traditional, simple appearance of Ganesha, there's a tendency to create something flashy and different, which can be frustrating for those who value the original form," she further states.

This change in traditions, however, hasn't permeated all parts and people of the city.

Balancing traditions with innovation

While it is only natural for some parts of the festivities to evolve or change with time, Punekars have still managed to keep a large chunk of their traditions alive.

"Some people and areas in the city, like the peth area, still follow traditional practices and rituals that have shaped the festival for years," Khandelwal states.

"The main mrivanuk (procession to bring Ganesh idol to the pandal and take for visarjan) has stayed the same over the years. People from across the country come here to witness the visarjan mrivanuk and the excitement is always high. After so many years, Ganeshotsav is still the biggest festival in Pune. Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav started from Pune, and then it reached other parts of Maharashtra," he informs.

"The five most important and honoured Ganpati mandals, also called Manache Ganpati, still head for visarjan first, post which others follow. This has been followed for years," he adds.

Pune has 5 ‘Manache Ganpati' - the most revered Ganpati idols of the city. These are (in order): Kasba Ganpati, Tambdi Jogeshwari, Guruji Talim, Tulshibaug Ganpati and Kesariwada Ganpati. These five Ganpati idols are first immersed in water. Only after that can other idols be immersed.

Another tradition that has stayed alive is preparing or buying ‘ukadiche modak' during the festivities. This sweet dish, considered to be Bappa's favourite, has a story of how it became so popular in Pune.

Ukadiche modak (Pic: iStock)

Sanat Sarpotdar, the fourth-generation entrepreneur of the founding family of the popular Poona Guest House, which is famous for its ukadiche modak, informs, "Handmade (Hatvalniche) ukadiche modak is the favourite food or prasad of Lord Ganesh. Ganeshotsav is widely celebrated in the coastal region of west Maharashtra i.e., Konkan. Ukadiche modak is a traditional sweet of this region, which contains freshly ground coconut, jaggery, khas khas, green, elaichi powder and jaifal powder and its outer covering is made up of local rice flour. Pune is very close to Konkan and a huge chunk of the population from Konkan has shifted here, bringing the popularity of this traditional sweet to the city. Ganesh festival cannot be completed without this sweet."

"On the first day of Ganesh festival, a minimum of 2 lakhs modaks are consumed in Pune," he states, adding, "Due to Ganpati festival, people from all the states of India and other countries visit Pune and they love to taste traditional food local food too. For the promotion of Maharashtrian authentic food, especially ukadiche modak, we have organised many modak-making workshops through which we have trained more than 5000 women."

However, this traditional sweet dish is not limited to Ganeshotsav anymore. "We have started making ukadiche modak every day throughout the year. Now, people from all over India and abroad are staying in Pune. We started this service to introduce authentic ukadiche modak to all of them," reveals Sarpotdar.

While the authentic taste of these modaks stays alive, their recipes and preparation methods are changing. Poona Guest House, for example, also makes frozen modaks.

"Frozen modaks can be kept for a minimum of 6 months. There is a huge demand for these modaks outside Pune and internationally also. Many vendors purchase frozen modaks from us and they send them to other areas," states Sarpotdar.

"Now, we are preparing other flavours also like hapus amba ukadiche modak, strawberry ukadiche modak, etc.," he concludes.

This balance between tradition and innovation is also being maintained by several Ganpati mandals.

"The festival has evolved. We introduced reservation for women in our mandal in 2016. So, a lot of women are participating in the activities and festivities. Then there has been a huge boost in technology. People staying away from the mandal are also able to contribute to the work because of technology. It is especially being used for communication," reveals Vakil.

He further states, "We're trying to innovate with tradition. Those two sound contradictory, but we are trying to maintain a balance. We don't immerse Kasba Ganpati idols in a river anymore. It is done in a large box. The idol is made of clay, which is environmentally friendly. In 2016, there was a drought in Maharashtra. More flow of water was needed. So, it didn't feel right to immerse the idol in rivers, which are a major source of water."

Stressing on one tradition that has continued, he says, "Devotees carry the Ganesh idol on their shoulders in a palkhi without wearing footwear. That is a tradition that has continued."

Dhol tasha pathaks, a growing community, have also found an important place in traditional celebrations of Ganeshotsav in Pune.

Khandelwal says, "When the dhol tasha tradition initially started in 1983, there were only 5-6 pathaks till 2002, most of which were school pathaks. Today, there are 200-250 dhol tasha pathaks in Pune. Around 50,000-60,000, people are a part of these pathaks. Being a part of such a huge community gives mental satisfaction and prepares one to interact in a community. Dhol tasha is very powerful, it requires time, dedication and devotion. Additionally, it also enhances physical strength because dhols are very heavy. I have interacted with so many parents who have told me that their kid has started eating well and has become more active after becoming a member of the dhol tasha pathak."

Members of Nadbrahma Dhol Tasha Dhwaj Pathak Trust performing

However, this tradition has often come under scrutiny by residents due to the loud sound of the instruments. On that, Khandelwal says, "People often see dhol tasha in a negative light, believing it to be just a source of noise. But on a ground level, what difference is it making? That is something no one focuses on."

Dhol tasha pathaks are not only an important part of cultural celebrations in Pune but are also now representing this art form internationally.

Enthusiasm among Punekars

With time, has the enthusiasm for Ganeshotsav stayed the same among Punekars?

"Community participation is still immense. Earlier, all activities used to be limited to the 10 days of Ganeshotsav. But now, due to the large number of people who come for darshan during those days, we have had to shift some social activities, competitions and cultural programmes before the actual festival begins," informs Vakil, adding, "Yes, things have changed, but there is still a lot of enthusiasm. We have even seen a lot of foreigners coming here to enjoy the Ganesh festival. So, it is also going global."

"The participation and enthusiasm for Ganeshotsav has remained the same among Punekars. Earlier, 8-10 people used to stay in the same house. Now, they are moving out and living in the suburbs. But for the one month of Ganeshotsav preparations and celebrations, people, irrespective of their job, life, etc., come back to the city and participate in mandal activities," concludes Khandelwal.