Ganesh Festival
This is the most important and biggest festival in Pune. It falls on
the 4th day of the bright fortnight of Bhadrapada (August - September).
People buy Ganesh images to keep in their houses as a divine guest for
five to ten days. The image is then taken out ceremoniously and immerse
to the river, sea or well. It is called Visarjan. Keeping the idol after
this day is considered inauspicious.
Puja can be simply performed with family members within the household
or by a priest. Modak is special cuisine for Ganesh Chaturthi
celebrations. Aarti is performed morning and evening (dusk, or at the
hour when artificial lamps are lighted in the house) a long as the
Ganesh idol is at home.
Huge Ganesh idols are worshipped at nicely decorated pandals, also
known as Dekhavas for 8 to 10 days. These Dekhavas are organized by the
Mandals, worked collectively for the entire locality. Various Mandals
shouting the slogans of Ganpati Bapa Morya take out huge processions
during the first day and the day of immersion of the idols throughout
the city. People from the city and nearby towns, districts throng to
witness the Ganesh festival celebrations. Huge money in terms of crores
is spent on decorations of the pandals.
Pune Festival
Pune festival is held between August and September during Ganesh
Mahotsav. It is the biggest festival of Pune. The festival goes for ten
days - starts with the installation of idols of Lord Ganesha on the
first day to immersion of the Lord's idols on the tenth day.
Pune festival is mainly emphasized on the celebration of art and
culture, song and dance, custom and tradition. It was started as a local
event but now has succeeded to attract visitors from across India and
abroad. The Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation joining hand
with the Union government actively promotes the festival abroad as a
major tourist attraction.
Classical dance, music recitals, film, drama festival, automobile
rallies and traditional sports are held as a part of the festival.
Maestros and stalwarts from all over India are invited to perform during
the festival. The denizens of Pune and also the visitors from outside
enjoy the event with fullest during the celebrations.
Other festivals like Deewali, Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti and Bhaubeej too
are celeberated here.
