Mandai, Bhausaheb Rangari mandals to join Ganesh immersion procession early this year
Ganeshotsav begins on August 27, and Anant Chaturdashi falls on September 6. A total lunar eclipse is scheduled for the next day, September 7, with the lunar eclipse period beginning at 12.37 pm. As per religious custom, idols must be immersed or covered before the eclipse period begins. To ensure compliance, major Mandals will need to conclude their immersion processions before noon on September 6.
Traditionally, prominent mandals like Mandai and Bhausaheb Rangari join the immersion late in the evening and reach key junctions like Belbagh Chowk only by the early hours of the next day. The revised schedule is expected to ease this delay and allow smoother processions through the city's central routes.
The change is also intended to address concerns raised over the years by devotees who wait along the immersion routes until late at night to witness the processions and have darshan of the idols. 'Every year we wait for hours, sometimes till 2 or 3 am, just to see our favourite Ganpati pass by. If more Mandals start early, it will help families like ours who come with small children,' said Shreya Patil, a resident of Shukrawar Peth and a regular at the immersion procession.
In 2022, Shrimant Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Mandal shifted its participation to the afternoon to ease crowd pressure and improve access for devotees. With Mandai and Bhausaheb Rangari Mandals now following suit, a more time-bound and coordinated immersion is anticipated.
As part of broader planning measures, a fixed sequence is expected to be drawn up for Mandals joining the procession after the Manache Ganpati. Efforts will also be made to reduce the number of dhol-tasha troupes and musical bands accompanying each Mandal. In addition, Mandals on key roads such as Tilak Road, Kumthekar Road, and Kelkar Road will be encouraged to begin their processions earlier in the day. An appeal is also being made to participating Mandals to avoid the use of DJ systems during the immersion.
The early participation of major Mandals is likely to ease pressure on civic resources and contribute to a more streamlined conclusion of the 10-day Ganesh festival.
(The author is an intern with The Indian Express)
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Akhil Mandai Mandal and Shrimant Bhausaheb Rangari Ganpati Mandal will participate in this year's Ganesh immersion procession immediately after the five Manache Ganpati. While the decision has been prompted by the total lunar eclipse falling on the day after Anant Chaturdashi, both Mandals have confirmed that the change will be permanent going forward. Ganeshotsav begins on August 27, and Anant Chaturdashi falls on September 6. A total lunar eclipse is scheduled for the next day, September 7, with the lunar eclipse period beginning at 12.37 pm. As per religious custom, idols must be immersed or covered before the eclipse period begins. To ensure compliance, major Mandals will need to conclude their immersion processions before noon on September 6. Traditionally, prominent mandals like Mandai and Bhausaheb Rangari join the immersion late in the evening and reach key junctions like Belbagh Chowk only by the early hours of the next day. The revised schedule is expected to ease this delay and allow smoother processions through the city's central routes. The change is also intended to address concerns raised over the years by devotees who wait along the immersion routes until late at night to witness the processions and have darshan of the idols. 'Every year we wait for hours, sometimes till 2 or 3 am, just to see our favourite Ganpati pass by. If more Mandals start early, it will help families like ours who come with small children,' said Shreya Patil, a resident of Shukrawar Peth and a regular at the immersion procession. In 2022, Shrimant Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Mandal shifted its participation to the afternoon to ease crowd pressure and improve access for devotees. With Mandai and Bhausaheb Rangari Mandals now following suit, a more time-bound and coordinated immersion is anticipated. As part of broader planning measures, a fixed sequence is expected to be drawn up for Mandals joining the procession after the Manache Ganpati. Efforts will also be made to reduce the number of dhol-tasha troupes and musical bands accompanying each Mandal. In addition, Mandals on key roads such as Tilak Road, Kumthekar Road, and Kelkar Road will be encouraged to begin their processions earlier in the day. An appeal is also being made to participating Mandals to avoid the use of DJ systems during the immersion. The early participation of major Mandals is likely to ease pressure on civic resources and contribute to a more streamlined conclusion of the 10-day Ganesh festival. (The author is an intern with The Indian Express)
