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Hindustan Times
a day ago
- General
- Hindustan Times
Early morning entry of mandals may disrupt Pune's traditional Ganesh immersion procession
The immersion (visarjan) day of Ganeshotsav in Pune may witness unprecedented disruption on Laxmi Road, as several Ganpati Mandals from the Peth areas plan to begin their immersion procession as early as 7 am. The move has sparked concern among the city's traditional Manache Ganpati Mandals, who have long held the ceremonial right to lead the immersion parade in the afternoon. The move has sparked concern among the city's traditional Manache Ganpati Mandals, who have long held the ceremonial right to lead the immersion parade in the afternoon. (HT) According to reports, around 35 to 40 mandals from central Pune have formed a collective under the slogan 'Ek Ganpati, Ek Pathak' and declared their intent to proceed towards Laxmi Road in the morning, regardless of the established order. Traditionally, the Manache Ganpati Mandals hold symbolic precedence, starting the immersion procession in a specific sequence that reflects over a century of ritual discipline. Their members have voiced strong objections to the Peth mandals' early start, warning that such a move could lead to disorder and potential clashes. 'The procession is not just about pride; it is about preserving the sanctity and structure of a spiritual tradition that unites Pune,' said a senior member of a Manacha Ganpati Mandal, speaking on condition of anonymity. 'Breaking this sequence could confuse devotees, overwhelm security personnel, and set a dangerous precedent for years to come.' However, leaders of the Peth area mandals insist that their decision stems from practical concerns rather than defiance. Ganesh Bhokare of the Mutheshwar Ganpati Mandal said, 'We cannot wait endlessly for our turn. The immersion is for every mandal and every devotee, not just the Manache Ganpati. If we don't start early, we're forced to wait till late at night, which is unfair. That's why we're determined to begin in the morning this year.' The city police are reportedly on high alert, anticipating the possibility of multiple processions converging on Laxmi Road at the same time. With thousands of dhol-tasha pathaks, volunteers, and devotees expected to crowd the route, the risk of confusion and mismanagement is significant. Authorities are currently in talks with both groups in an effort to de-escalate tensions and ensure the smooth and safe conduct of one of Pune's most iconic religious events.
Time of India
6 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Ganpati mandals won't pay road-digging fines if potholes persist, warns Uddhav Thackeray
Mumbai: Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray on Tuesday said that Ganpati mandals will not pay any penalty for road-digging until the state govt fills up each and every pothole on the Mumbai-Goa highway. Ganpati mandals often dig holes in the ground to affix bamboo poles for mandaps. In a bid to protect newly concretised roads across Mumbai, the BMC increased the penalty for road-digging by Ganesh mandals for the first time from Rs 2,000 to Rs 15,000 per hole. Uddhav made the announcement while addressing a gathering of Ganpati mandal office-bearers. "They are giving free travel to Konkan to woo voters, but on potholed roads, accidents are happening, bones are breaking. The govt must be penalised for each and every pothole from Mumbai to Goa… count the potholes, let the govt pay the penalty. Until they fill up every pothole up to Konkan, we will not pay any penalty for digging holes to erect Ganpati Mandals, tell the CM. The govt will give our money only; they will not pay from their own pockets. Their ministers are themselves saying that this is not their father's money but govt's money," Uddhav said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Buy Resmed AirSense 11 with flat 20% off ResMed Buy Now Undo "This is public money; it can't be looted, and then you are recovering money from Ganpati Mandals. You are looting public money and then taking money from Ganpati Mandals during our festivals. We are not going to allow this at all. The govt can do what they want to do. They are trying to steal from Ganpati Mandals now," Uddhav said. You Can Also Check: Mumbai AQI | Weather in Mumbai | Bank Holidays in Mumbai | Public Holidays in Mumbai | Gold Rates Today in Mumbai | Silver Rates Today in Mumbai Uddhav said the BMC was always with the Sena (UBT) and it will remain with the Sena (UBT). "There is a ban on Plaster of Paris (PoP) from next year. We don't know who was in the committee that made this decision. The govt is making all these rules so that Ganpati Mandals come and beg before them each year," Uddhav said. Civic officials said the earlier fine had little deterrent effect, especially since many mandals operate with a turnover running into crores of rupees. Also, with the ongoing cement-concretisation project of the BMC, which aims to concretise all roads of the city, there is a policy that does not permit even trenching works for the first three years. "Therefore, in such a scenario, mandals digging up the road for setting up pandals cannot be accepted lightly. Also, with the cost of re-laying damaged concrete roads significantly higher, the civic body opted for a stricter approach to discourage unauthorised digging," said a BMC official. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
