1. Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations on Laxmi road Pune. I can feel the energy by seeing pic. By reviving the Ganapati festival & transforming it into a public celebration in Pune in 1893, B G Tilak succeeded in challenging the decade plus monopoly of moderate-liberal leaders who had set the agenda for social & political reforms in India.
2. Women & men on dol-tasha. Historian N.R. Inamdar wrote, "To Tilak, a feeling of oneness among the people and pride in their country`s heritage were the vital forces of nationalism. He believed that fostering among the people the feeling that they have common interests to be pursued and realised through united political action could develop nationalism.”
3. Women in action, coming so naturally from within. Pictures by Sudhir Nazare, a photographer from Murud in Maharashtra. Dhanyavad to him for sharing. The processions are on Anant Chaturthi, which marks the end of the ten day long Ganesh utsav.
4. Devotees, cell phones, turbans & flags is what I see in this procession. Devotees led the processions of Pune’s most popular mandals ie Kasba Ganpati, Tambadi Jogeswari, Gurji Talim, Tulshi Baug and Kesariwada. Just as Mumbai’s Siddhivinayak temple is popular so is Pune’s Dagdusheth Halwai Ganapati Mandir.
5. Boy with the flag leads the group of drummers.
6. At the start of procession the flag is held high in the air signalling to start drum beating.
7. Smiles and happiness. “Dagdusheth Gadve was a Sweet maker from Karnataka. Since he was very successful locals referred to him as Dagdusheth Halwai (sweet maker). After losing his son to the plague, Dagdusheth and his wife were advised by their Guru- Shri Madhavnath Maharaj, to build a Ganpati Temple which they did in 1893.
8. Love the look. Round his neck is a sacred thread called `Janeu`. The temple is very popular with Punekars. When wifey goes to Pune she must visit Dagdusheth for darshan.
9. Maharashtrian style turban is called Pheta. Girl is wearing a Pagadi (turban). In nose it is called Nath. Jhumkas is called Zube in Marathi.
10. Jhumkas, turban and nose seem to be the standard. Turban is called Puneri Pagadi. Dagdusheth and Guruji Talim Mandal are on Laxmi road. Tambdi Jogeshwari Ganpati is referred to as the Protector of Pune, is on Budhwar Peth.
11. Different type of turban. “The processions, be it Ganpati sthapana or visarjan, are incomplete without the beats of dhol tashas playing in the background.”
12. On ground is Rangoli.
13. High energy, with dhol-tasha.
14. Joy and happiness, thanks to Ganpati. India is one of the few countries where take such active part in festivals esp use of dhol-tasha as we see in Pune. They seem to revel.
15. A quieter moment.
16. Sudhir Bhau taken lovely close up shots. Notice jhumka design.
17. All smiles.
18. Shiv Bhakts.
19. Different look.
20. Band also present. Wonder why.
21. It is smiles and happy memories that last forever. All along devotees chant "Ganpati Bappa Morya, Pudhchya Varshi Lavkar Yaa."