Ganeshotsav 2024: Should you celebrate in Mumbai or Pune?

With just a few days left for Ganeshotsav 2024, people in Maharashtra have geared up to welcome Lord Ganesha amid chants of 'Ganpati Bappa Morya, Mangal Murti Morya'.

Ganeshotsav, also known as Ganesh Chaturthi, is one of the most vibrant and widely celebrated festivals in Maharashtra. Marking the birth of Lord Ganesha, the festival is observed with grandeur and devotion, particularly in the cities of Mumbai and Pune. While both cities share a deep-rooted reverence for Lord Ganesha, how they celebrate this festival varies significantly, reflecting their unique cultural identities and histories.

IN PHOTOS: First glimpse of Lord Ganesh idol as Borivali gears up for Ganeshotsav 2024

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Ganeshotsav 2024: Historical background

In Mumbai, Ganeshotsav 2024 owes much of its modern-day scale to Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak, who transformed it from a private family affair into a public celebration in 1893. He aimed to unite Indians against British rule by fostering community spirit and nationalistic fervour. Since then, the festival in Mumbai has grown exponentially, becoming one of the city's most anticipated events.

While in Pune, often considered the cultural capital of Maharashtra, has a much older tradition of celebrating Ganeshotsav. The city's connection to the festival dates back to the era of the Peshwas, who were ardent devotees of Lord Ganesha. The historical roots of Ganeshotsav in Pune are intertwined with the city's religious and cultural ethos, making it a celebration deeply embedded in local traditions.

Scale and grandeur

Known for its larger-than-life celebrations, Ganeshotsav in Mumbai is synonymous with grand processions, massive pandals (temporary shrines), and extravagant idols. "The city's famous Ganpati mandals, such as Lalbaugcha Raja, Andhericha Raja, Girgaoncha Raja and Ganesh Gully, attract lakhs of devotees from across the country. The festival in Mumbai is marked by high energy, with music, elaborate decorations, and celebrity visits being integral parts of the celebration," a member of Girgaon-based Mandal said.

In contrast, Pune's Ganeshotsav celebrations are more traditional and subdued. The city's focus is on the cultural and religious aspects of the festival. "The five ‘Manache Ganpati' (the respected Ganpati mandals) in Pune, including Kasba Ganpati and Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati, are known for their simplicity and devotion. The emphasis is on maintaining the sanctity of the rituals, with a focus on classical music performances, cultural programs, and community activities," Manisha K, a Pune resident, said.

Kasba Ganpati is considered the first Manacha Ganpati, or the most revered Ganpati, in Pune, Maharashtra. Established in 1893, the idol is located in the Kasba Peth area of Pune.

"This is the first Manacha Ganpati of Pune, and this year marks the 132nd anniversary of our Mandal. The idol has been sculpted by Abhijit Dhondephale. In line with our commitment to an eco-friendly Ganeshotsav, this year's idol will be made using red soil, a change from the sadu clay used previously. The decorations this year are very traditional, inspired by the Siddhivinayak Temple of Siddhatek. We celebrate Ganeshotsav 2024 in the same spirit as Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak did. In 1893, Tilak, the great freedom fighter of India, initiated the Ganesh festival to unite like-minded people, fostering the exchange of ideas and strategies to free India from British rule. We continue to celebrate Ganeshotsav similarly," said Shrikant Shete, president of the Shri Kasba Ganpati Mandal.

According to the mandal, Shri Kasba Ganpati Mandal celebrates the Ganpati festival with a unique tradition each year. Initially, the festival was celebrated within the Kasba Ganpati temple until 1925. Since 1926, it has been held in an enclosed mandap. The 10-day festival is observed with the same traditional fervour each year, serving as a vibrant platform for artists from various backgrounds to showcase their talents through cultural programs organised in celebration. On the 10th day, the idol of Shri Kasba Ganpati Mandal is given the honour of leading the immersion procession in Pune.

"On the auspicious day of Ganesh Chaturthi, the festival begins with the welcome rituals for Lord Ganesh. A new idol of Lord Ganesh is placed in a silver palkhi (palanquin) and carried in a procession to the mandap by devotees, who bear it on their shoulders. Once the idol is brought into the mandap, the priest performs the puja of Lord Ganpati, known as ‘Pranpratishtha.' All devotees participate in the puja and arti, marking the commencement of the ten-day Ganesh festival. Throughout the festival, the mandal organises various social and cultural programs aimed at personal and community development. Programs such as Bhajans and Satsangs are arranged, with different groups participating in the Bhajans. In addition to cultural events, the Mandal also undertakes social initiatives, including social awareness programs. This year, we will focus on raising awareness about drug and mobile addiction," explained Shete.

"On the 10th day, the idol of Lord Ganesh is immersed in the sacred river. The immersion procession is led by Shri Kasba Ganpati Mandal, followed by the other mandals in Pune city," he added.

Cultural activities and entertainment

The cultural landscape of Ganeshotsav in Mumbai is diverse and vibrant. "The festival often features dance competitions, music concerts, theatrical performances, and even social awareness programmes. Mandals compete to create the most innovative and eye-catching decorations, often themed around contemporary issues or popular mythology. The use of high-tech lighting, sound systems, and visual effects adds to the spectacle," the member of Girgaon-based Mandal said.

Pune's celebrations are more rooted in Maharashtrian culture. The city is known for its classical music and dance performances during Ganeshotsav. "Events such as ‘Gandharva Mahotsav' and ‘Pune Festival' showcase performances by renowned artists in classical music, dance, and drama. The cultural activities here are aimed at preserving the traditional arts and are more restrained compared to Mumbai's flamboyant displays" Manisha said.

Environmental awareness

In recent years, there has been a growing consciousness about the environmental impact of Ganeshotsav in Mumbai. "Many mandals have started opting for eco-friendly idols made of clay instead of plaster of Paris, which is harmful to water bodies. However, the sheer scale of the festival in Mumbai means that environmental concerns are still a challenge, with efforts being made to promote awareness about reducing noise pollution and encouraging sustainable practices," Rita Todankar, a Girgaon resident, said.

Pune has been at the forefront of promoting eco-friendly Ganeshotsav 2024 celebrations. "The city's Ganesh mandals have been early adopters of clay idols and sustainable practices. Puneites are also known for their efforts in minimising noise pollution, with a greater emphasis on celebrating the festival in a manner that is in harmony with nature. The immersion processions in Pune are relatively quieter and more organised, reflecting the city's commitment to environmental consciousness," Manisha said.

Immersion processions

The immersion (Visarjan) processions in Mumbai are legendary for their scale and intensity. "The streets are filled with devotees dancing to the beats of dhol-tasha (traditional drums) as they bid farewell to their beloved Bappa. The immersion at Girgaon Chowpatty is one of the most iconic sights, with thousands of idols being immersed in the Arabian Sea. The processions often last for several hours, creating a spectacular, if chaotic, atmosphere in the city," Rita said.

Pune's immersion processions are more disciplined and culturally inclined. The city's traditional dhol-tasha troupes are a highlight, with synchronised performances that are both powerful and rhythmic. "The processions, while grand, are marked by a sense of orderliness, with a focus on maintaining the sanctity of the rituals. Pune's immersion processions are also shorter in duration compared to Mumbai, reflecting the city's emphasis on simplicity and devotion," Manisha said.

Ganeshotsav 2024: Community involvement

Ganeshotsav in Mumbai is a community-driven festival, with each neighbourhood and housing society participating in the celebrations. "The mandals are often sponsored by local businesses and residents, who contribute to the organisation and decoration of the pandals. The festival also sees a significant amount of volunteerism, with locals coming together to manage the crowds, ensure security, and carry out the rituals," Rita said.

In Pune, the community involvement is equally strong, but with a more traditional flavor. The city's old neighbourhoods, known as ‘peths,' play a central role in the celebrations. The Ganesh mandals here are community institutions that have been passed down through generations, and the celebrations often involve entire families participating in the rituals. Pune's Ganeshotsav 2024 is seen as a time for renewing social bonds and fostering a sense of belonging within the community.

While both Mumbai and Pune share the same religious fervour for Lord Ganesha, their Ganeshotsav 2024 celebrations reflect the distinct cultural identities of the two cities. Mumbai's Ganeshotsav is a spectacle of grandeur, reflecting the city's cosmopolitan character and its love for all things larger than life. Pune, on the other hand, celebrates Ganeshotsav with a focus on tradition, culture, and simplicity, embodying the city's status as the cultural heart of Maharashtra. Together, these two cities showcase the diverse ways in which a festival can be celebrated, each adding its unique flavour to the rich tapestry of Indian culture.