A 135-year-old Ganeshotsav tradition rooted in Pune’s history and closely associated with the city’s revolutionary legacy is set to take on a contemporary social message this year.

The Shrimant Bhausaheb Rangari Ganpati, regarded as the ‘Ganpati of revolutionaries’, has begun preparations for its 135th Ganeshotsav with the traditional Vasa Pujan on Kranti Din. The occasion also saw the unveiling of this year’s central theme — ‘Shri Ganesh Swarnadham’, a grand fictional tableau built around the timeless Indian values of respecting and honouring one’s parents.

The theme draws inspiration from the traditional expression ‘Matrudevo Bhava, Pitrudevo Bhava’, placing the relationship between Lord Ganesha and his parents, Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva, at the heart of the presentation.

The organisers say the tableau will not merely be a visual attraction but will seek to convey a message of gratitude towards parents and reconnect younger generations with an important aspect of India’s cultural tradition.

A Ganpati with a history beyond religion

The Shrimant Bhausaheb Rangari Ganpati occupies a distinctive place in the history of Pune’s public Ganeshotsav.

Public Ganesh celebrations emerged as important platforms for social mobilisation and public awareness during the freedom movement. In Pune, the tradition became closely intertwined with the city’s social and revolutionary history, giving several Ganpati mandals an identity that went beyond religious celebrations.

The Bhausaheb Rangari Ganpati remains an important part of this legacy and has continued to present religious and cultural themes through its annual celebrations.

As the festival enters its 135th year, the organisers are seeking to combine this historical inheritance with a message relevant to contemporary society.

‘Swarnadham’ to celebrate the bond between Ganesha and his parents

The central idea behind ‘Shri Ganesh Swarnadham’ is the reverence accorded to parents in Indian tradition.

Lord Ganesha, revered as Parvatinandan and Shivputra, will be portrayed in the context of his relationship with Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva. The tableau will highlight the importance of parents in an individual’s life, the values of respect and gratitude, and the traditional belief that parents hold a place equivalent to the divine.

The organisers hope the presentation will particularly resonate with young visitors by presenting an age-old cultural value through an elaborate and contemporary visual format.

The Shrimant Bhausaheb Rangari Ganpati Trust has traditionally used its festival platform to present themes that combine religious devotion with social and cultural messaging.

Focus on tradition and a DJ-free celebration

Festival chief and trustee Punit Balan said the 135th edition would retain the religious character and traditional practices associated with the festival.

“Shrimant Bhausaheb Rangari Ganpati is known as the Ganpati of revolutionaries. The Vasa Pujan of the festival mandap and the unveiling of the tableau took place on Kranti Din. This year, we will present a fictional tableau titled ‘Shri Ganesh Swarnadham’. The festival will be celebrated with religious sanctity and tradition. Like last year, we will also have a DJ-free Ganeshotsav and Dahi Handi,” Balan said.

He added that preserving the sanctity of the festival while communicating positive social and cultural messages would remain a priority.

Police honour marks the beginning of the celebrations

Pune Police Deputy Commissioner (Zone 1) Krishikesh Rawale performed the traditional Vasa Pujan at the festival mandap.

Recalling his experience of witnessing the celebrations last year, Rawale said he was particularly impressed by the enthusiasm of the volunteers and the discipline maintained during the immersion procession.

“I am extremely happy to have received the honour of performing the Vasa Pujan for the mandap of the 135th Ganeshotsav of Shrimant Bhausaheb Rangari Ganpati. I had witnessed the festival here last year as well. Seeing the enthusiasm of the volunteers and the discipline during the immersion procession made me understand why Pune’s Ganeshotsav is considered so distinctive and special. I am grateful to the Trust for giving me this honour,” Rawale said.

The ceremony was also attended by Ashok Electricals’ Ashokbhai Shah and festival chief and trustee Punit Balan.

The Vasa Pujan was followed by the unveiling of the ‘Shri Ganesh Swarnadham’ concept amid dhol-tasha performances and chants of ‘Ganpati Bappa Morya’.

135 years old, but still evolving

The beginning of preparations for the 135th Ganeshotsav reflects the evolving character of Pune’s public Ganesh tradition — one that carries a historical legacy while continually adapting its themes to contemporary society.

This year, the Bhausaheb Rangari Ganpati Trust hopes that ‘Shri Ganesh Swarnadham’ will offer devotees more than grandeur and spectacle. By placing the bond between Lord Ganesha and his parents at the centre of its presentation, the festival seeks to turn an age-old religious tradition into a reminder of a value that remains relevant across generations.

With the traditional rituals now underway, Pune’s historic ‘Ganpati of revolutionaries’ is preparing to enter its 135th year with the same devotion that has defined its journey - but with a distinctly new-age message.