Pune's old peths draw huge crowds for Ganeshotsav tableaux
Mandals across Pune's peths have set up elaborate tableaux on mythological, social and horror themes, drawing large evening crowds
Ganeshotsav enthusiasm is at its peak this year too in the peths regarded as the identity of old Pune. In Ravivar Peth, Ganesh Peth, Guruvar Peth, Ghorpade Peth and Shukrawar Peth, Ganeshotsav mandals have set up traditional celebrations along with attractive tableaux at various spots. Some mandals have brought mythological and religious episodes to life, while others have prioritised social issues, horror and fantasy themes. This is why, as evening falls, crowds are thronging the peths to view these tableaux.
In Ravivar Peth, near the Shri Sainath Satyanarayan temple, the Uday Mandal Trust has created a tableau on the theme "Horror Jungle", which has become a particular attraction among children. Under the guidance of mandal president Vilas Kathalkar, workers including Kapil Salunkhe, Yuvraj Jagtap, Swapnil Sawant, Mayur Salunkhe, Rajendra Giditkar, Suresh Vaidya, Atul Kekan and Ankush Laturkar are involved. The tableau has been decorated by Somnath Khopde and Atharva Khopde.
The Adarsh Seva Mandal Trust, under president Shailesh Badhai, has presented a lifelike tableau titled "Dakkhancha Raja Jotiba". Funds spent on this tableau also support social and creative programmes through the year. The Shri Akhil Kapadganj Ganeshotsav Mandal Trust, led by president Kisan Pawar, has created a fantasy-themed tableau, and organises public welfare programmes through the Jai Ganesh Vyaspeeth. The Sahakar Tarun Mandal has also created a fantasy tableau, with president Bhausaheb Karpe running several social activities.
The Shri Sundar Ganpati Tarun Mandal has created a moving tableau titled "Vadsiddh Nagnath". Along with president Aniket Gavli, workers are also running programmes such as health camps and blood donation drives. The Shri Shivaji Maratha Mandal Trust, marking its platinum jubilee year, has set up an attractive tableau of the "Panchganga Shiva Temple". The Kasture Chowk Tarun Mandal has prepared a tableau of "Garudarudh Vighnaharta Ganesh", counted among the tallest Ganesh idols in the city's eastern part.
In Guruvar Peth, the Jhunjhar Mitra Mandal has created a tableau titled "Shivmahima", while the Shri Mangal Club Mitra Mandal has presented a lifelike tableau of the "Narsimha Avatar". The Rajarshi Shahu Chowk Ganeshotsav Mandal has built a tableau on the theme "Swargalok-Narakalok". The religious and mythological tableaux in this area are drawing particular attention from people.
In Ganesh Peth, mandals have created tableaux that combine entertainment with social messaging. The Shri Krishna Tarun Mandal, under president Ajay Salunke, has prepared a fantasy tableau, alongside which social programmes run through the year. The Shri Shivanjali Mandal has set up an attractive tableau titled "Ganesh Mahal".
In Natu Chal in Budhwar Peth, the Jijamata Tarun Mandal, led by president Yogesh Gangekar, has created a tableau based on the horror film "Tumbbad". The Mitra Mandal has made a tableau of "Sant Tukaram Vaikunthgaman", while the Jhunjhar Mitra Mandal has also prepared a tableau on the theme "Shivmahima", run under the guidance of presidents Vinayak More and Sachin Shelar alongside year-round social work. The Khadak Police Line Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal has presented a tableau titled "Nathdwara".
In Shukrawar Peth, the Shri Lakadi Ganpati Mandal, under president Rajveer Awhad, has created a tableau on the theme "Ashtavinayak Mahal", where social programmes are also run through the year.
In Ghorpade Peth, the Shrimant Ekta Tarun Mandal has presented a fantasy tableau, while the Nehru Mitra Mandal has created one on the theme "Bhoot Bungalow". The Shrimant Suvarna Bharat Mitra Mandal has prepared a tableau of "Om Chaitanya Machhindranath Janma", while the Khadak Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal has presented a grand "Balaji Temple" tableau. The Balveer Mitra Mandal has created a tableau on the theme "Saibaba Bhandara - Sabka Malik Ek Hai", and the Jai Hanuman Mitra Mandal has prepared a tableau titled "Chaal ka Ganpati".
In the area around Mamlatdar Kacheri, the Shri Shivaji Chowk Mitra Mandal has presented a lifelike tableau titled "Aaj Hum, Kal Tum", based on the issue of elderly citizens and old age homes, conveying a message to society. Under the guidance of president Vijay Jagdale, workers are also carrying out several public welfare activities.
