Shrimant Bhausaheb Rangari Ganpati Mandal Begins Ganeshotsav with Traditional Vasapujan Ceremony

Pune : The globally renowned Pune Ganeshotsav sees lakhs of devotees every year, but the police force is limited in number. Hence, each volunteer of the Ganesh mandals should work with the same dedication and discipline as police officers, urged Rajesh Bansode, Additional Commissioner of Police (West Region), during the Vasapujan ceremony of the historic Shrimant Bhausaheb Rangari Ganpati Trust, the first public Ganesh Mandal of India.

The pujan ceremony was performed by Bansode himself. Present on the occasion were Punit Balan (Festival Chief and Trustee of the Mandal), Assistant Police Commissioner Sainath Thombre, Sunil Rasane (Shreemant Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Mandal), Vikas Pawar (Tulshibaug Mandal), Prashant Tikar (Tambdi Jogeshwari Mandal), Shrikant Shete (Kasba Ganpati Mandal), Arun Gawale (Chhatrapati Rajaram Mandal), Sanjeev Jawale (President, Bhausaheb Rangari Ganpati), as well as police inspector Prashant Bhasme, Santosh Pandhare, Arun Ghodke, and a large number of office bearers and volunteers.

Speaking at the event, Bansode said, “I am grateful to the Trust for inviting me to the Vasapujan of India’s first public Ganpati mandal. As the festival season begins, we hope the celebrations proceed smoothly with the support of all Ganesh mandal volunteers, including Rangari Trust.”

Before the pujan, a traditional aarti was performed at Rangari Bhavan, followed by a captivating performance by the Shivmudra Dhol Tasha Pathak, which enthralled all devotees present.

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“The Vasapujan ceremony by Shrimant Bhausaheb Rangari Ganpati Trust marks the beginning of this year’s Ganeshotsav. We are presenting a special theme called Ratnamahal, showcasing unique traditional Indian jewellery and pearls. Also, for the third consecutive year, we will not be using bullock carts to pull the Ganesh chariot.”

* Punit Balan (Festival Chief and Trustee)