Jaya Kishori Performs Pran Pratishtha at Shrimant Bhausaheb Rangari Ganpati

Pune: Maharashtra’s cultural capital, Pune, welcomed Ganeshotsav this year with unmatched grandeur and deep-rooted traditions. At the “Shrimant Bhausaheb Rangari Ganpati Trust”  renowned as India’s first public Ganpati Mandal, The auspicious Pran Pratishtha ceremony was performed on Wednesday. Amid chanting of Vedic mantras, celebrated spiritual preacher and youth icon Jaya Kishori ceremoniously installed the idol of Lord Ganesha and conducted the sacred rituals. Thousands of devotees gathered at the venue, turning Pune into a vibrant blend of faith, devotion, and festivity.

Ganpati Bappa Morya! Pune’s Cultural Spirit Shines in Traditional Procession

The celebrations began early in the morning with a mangal aarti marking Ganesh Chaturthi. At 8:30 AM, a grand traditional procession set off, adding to the festive fervor. The rhythmic beats of dhol-tasha, the resonant sounds of shankhnaad (conch blowing), and stunning lathi-kathi martial arts performances turned the streets into a spectacle. Seven major dhol-tasha troupes came together to collectively pay homage to Lord Ganesha, electrifying the atmosphere. Pune’s lanes echoed with chants of “Ganpati Bappa Morya!” as devotees danced, sang, and celebrated in a joyous spiritual environment.

The Mandal’s Pride: Volunteers Pull Ganpati’s Chariot by Hand

The Shrimant Bhausaheb Rangari Ganpati Trust is known for celebrating Ganeshotsav in its most authentic and traditional form. Continuing its long-standing custom, the Ganesh chariot was pulled manually by the Mandal’s volunteers instead of oxen — a hallmark of its heritage. Festival convenor Puneet Balan emphasized this unique tradition, stating:

“This is a matter of pride for all of us. Every year our volunteers consider it their duty and honour to pull the chariot with their own hands.”
This practice, passed down through generations, symbolizes devotion, selfless service, and community unity, making it a defining feature of the Mandal’s identity.
Jaya Kishori Praises “DJ-Free Procession” and Traditional Heritage

At the auspicious muhurat of 12:15 PM, Jaya Kishori completed the Pran Pratishtha rituals, following which religious ceremonies and cultural performances were held. Addressing the gathering, she praised the Mandal’s efforts to preserve its historic legacy and spread messages of devotion and patriotism. She urged the youth to visit such events to learn about India’s cultural heritage and its spiritual essence. Jaya Kishori also lauded the Mandal’s “DJ-free procession” initiative, calling it a commendable step toward maintaining the sanctity of religious celebrations.

Notably, the Shrimant Bhausaheb Rangari Ganpati is regarded as India’s very first public Ganpati Mandal. This year’s disciplined, culturally rich, and spiritually uplifting procession has emerged as one of Pune’s most captivating highlights of Ganeshotsav 2025.