Prepare to get mesmerised by the charming Queen of Deccan, Pune. Pune is the cultural capital of Maharashtra. Plenty to offer to the visitors, Pune is a bustling, leafy and vintage place to explore. The wonderful structures and the pleasant weather, the city still beholds sober appearance. Slowly and steadily Pune has grown as an educational hub. Dotted with some very reputed institutions like National Defence Academy, Symbiosis International University, Fergusson college and many other, Pune is now a bustling city of Maharashtra.
Pune has its own airport which is well-connected with scheduled flights from other major cities of the country. It is located 10 km north-east of Pune. As it is well-linked with other countries too, there are few very good hotels in Pune near airport as well. Pune junction railway station is well connected with several trains to other parts of the country. Even, the city is linked with few highways. So, travelling to Pune is not a hectic task.
Soak in Pune during the great Ganapati festival like a local. During the grand 10 day celebration of Ganesh Puja, Pune observes some thousands Mandal coming up with great decoration and theme to achieve the best Mandal award. With Dhol and Tasha performances, the high budget Mandals bring celebrities to inaugurate the festival. Mandal hopping starts after 7:00 pm and the vibrant and colourful illuminations are a treat to devotees.
Check Out Some Best Ganesh Puja Mandal of Pune-
Shri Tambdi Jogeshwari Ganapati Mandal: Tambdi Jogeshwari is one of the names of Maa Durga. The procession carried out by the mandal only involves women. Various performances are also performed by women only, including sword fight. The Ganapati idol is kept in a silver shrine of 58 kg. Shri Tambdi Jogeshwari Ganapati Mandal was started by Lokmanya Tilak and it is the second most respected Ganapati celebration of Pune. Tambdi Jogeshwari temple is one of the oldest temples of the region it is located in Budhwar Peth.
Kasba Ganapati Temple: With the lead position in the immersion procession, Kasba Ganapati temple is one of the oldest temples which witness a large number of devotees during the celebration. It is believed that Queen Jijabari arrived in Pune with her son Shivaji, they found a Ganesh idol near their house. She commissioned the construction of Ganesh temple and in 1893, when Lokmanya Tilak started the celebration, Kasba Ganapati was the first on the initiative. The temple is located at 159 Kasba Peth.
Sri Guruji Talim Ganapati established in 1887 situated in Ganapati Chowk, Laxmi Road. Shri Kesari in Narayan Peth, Tilakwada, Sri Tulshibaug Ganapati of Shiv Darshan Road, Arnyeshwar and Shrimant Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Trust are some of the must visit Mandal of Pune.
Ganesh Chaturthi comes before Navaratri. Next year in 2016, Ganesh Chaturthi is on Monday, 5th September. So, plan accordingly and ply to Pune. If you are travelling from Mumbai, browse cabs Mumbai to Pune for a hassle free service.