Ganapati (Ganesha) Festival
It was in Pune in 1894 that Lokmanya Tilak initiated the concept of the "Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav" — the collective communal celebration of the festival of Lord Ganesha. During the month of August or September each year, the city celebrates the Hindu festival of Ganesh Chaturthi. Almost every neighborhood puts up a pandal with an idol of Lord Ganesha, often amidst a mythological setting, complete with decorative lights and festive music. The 10-day festival culminates in a carnival-like procession along the busy thoroughfares of the city, with every pandal leading the idol on a float to finally immerse (visarjan) it in the local rivers. This is one of the most important yearly events in the city. There are many pandal setup in one of the important place in pune "Laxmi Road", here you can see Tulsi bagh Ganpati, Laal bagh cha Raja (Pune version) Dagdushet Ganpati and Hawa mahal is built and decorated with lights.
Concerns about pollution in Pune rivers has led to the growing use of eco-friendly and biodegradable materials in the manufacture of idols of Lord Ganesha.Over some places the processions are also banned to help reduce the noise and air pollution.
During this time, the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation organizes the month-long Pune Festival which hosts classical dance and music recitals, a film and drama festival, automobile rallies and some traditional sports.
Read more about this topic: Culture Of Pune
Famous quotes containing the word festival:
“Three times a year all your males shall appear before the LORD your God at the place that he will choose: at the festival of unleavened bread, at the festival of weeks, and at the festival of booths. They shall not appear before the LORD empty-handed; all shall give as they are able, according to the blessing of the LORD your God that he has given you.”
—Bible: Hebrew, Deuteronomy 16:16,17.