Dhol-tasha beats echo through Pune as five Manache Ganpatis lead Ganesh immersion

Devotees gather along Pune’s streets as the five Manache Ganpatis proceed towards immersion. File pic

The grand Ganesh immersion procession began in Pune on Friday with the resounding beats of dhol-tasha troupes, as the city's five revered Manache Ganpatis joined the traditional parade.

Kasba Ganapati, regarded as Pune's first Manacha Ganapati, led the procession after setting out on a flower-decorated palanquin. The idol's departure marked the beginning of the city's major immersion proceedings, with the remaining four prominent mandals joining the parade along their designated routes.

Five Manache Ganpatis join procession

Union Minister of State Murlidhar Mohol offered a garland before the decorated Kasba Ganapati palanquin at Mandai Chowk. The area echoed with the sounds of shankh naad, or conch-shell blowing, along with energetic dhol-tasha performances as devotees gathered for the procession.

Following Kasba Ganapati, the other four Manache Ganapati mandals - Tambadi Jogeshwari, Guruji Talim, Tulshibaug and Kesariwada - also began their respective processions.

The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and police authorities had appealed to major Ganesh mandals to begin their processions early. The move was aimed at ensuring that the large-scale immersion proceedings conclude on schedule and do not extend into the following day.

Security arrangements along routes

The police and civic administration have made extensive arrangements for security, traffic management and crowd control along the immersion routes.

Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar said high-tech surveillance systems and specialised security units have been deployed at key locations to prevent any untoward incident during the procession.

"We urge the Ganesh mandals to strictly follow the traffic advisories to facilitate a smooth and timely procession. We have also instructed the groups to adhere to time limits set for dhol-tasha performances," Kumar added.

Drones, CCTV monitor immersion routes

According to the police, drones and an extensive network of CCTV cameras are being used to monitor the immersion routes and keep track of crowd movement.

Authorities have urged Ganesh mandals and devotees to follow traffic advisories and other instructions issued for the procession.

The annual immersion procession is among Pune's major Ganesh festival traditions, with the five Manache Ganapatis occupying a prominent place in the city's celebrations. Their processions through designated routes draw large numbers of devotees and spectators, making coordinated traffic and security arrangements crucial for the smooth conduct of the event.

(With inputs from PTI)