On Foot and with New Friends, a Trip to the most Special Ganesh Mandals in the City

A RESIDENT of Pune for the last 18 years, Sachin Ratnakar, a history enthusiast, has never quite explored the heritage places in the city. But this Ganeshotsav wants to make amends by participating in a heritage walk that will take him around the five main ‘Manache’ Ganapati’s.

“Due to my busy schedule, I never got time to explore the heritage and culture of the city. That’s why I want to participate in the Ganpati walk, along with my wife and children, as I believe it will give us in-depth knowledge about various things, “he said.

For enthusiasts like Ratnakar, several such heritage walks, a concept that has become popular in the last couple of years, have been organized in the city by different organizations. Most of the Manache Ganapati has considerable cultural and historical significance, “This walk is not just about the darshan. We have focused on the culture, tradition, heritage, and historical significance of the Ganapati,” said Jayesh Paranjape, founder of Western Routes, who organizes this walk every year.

Dispelling the popular belief that only tourists would be interested in such walks, most organizers say residents turn up in great numbers.

Rutuja Rode, a resident of Model Colony, said, “I am going for the first time and. It is like revisiting childhood memories. When we were young, our parents used to take us. So, it’s nice to visit Ganpati pandals again on a guided tour, where we don’t just see the visuals, but also get to hear the stories.”

Nishigandha Sakhardande from Travia Outdoors, a heritage walk organizer, said such events were interesting as random strangers came together to collectively share their stories.

For those who fancy a walk through the Ganpati pandals in the night, Jaikumar Anand, founder of ‘Places around Pune’, an organization that conducts guided tours around the city, is conducting a night walk throughout the Ganpati pandals, from Kasba Ganpati to Kesari wada area.

“These Ganesha are in the Peth area and one needs to have proper knowledge of the routes in the old city, otherwise they will get lost. Plus, being part of a group is great fun,” he said.

Like every year, the Pune Expat Club has also organized a Ganpati Walk for its members. “They are very excited to learn more about Indian culture and festivals and they always participate enthusiastically,” said Kajal Singh, Public relations and marketing representative of the Pune Expat Club.

While most walks are organized by individuals or organizations, click-a-thon, a unique photo walk, has been organized by the Kasba Ganpati this year and covers the five Manache Ganapati.