Ganeshotsav 2025: Celebrities celebrated Ganesh Chaturthi with great zeal across India, and many people were drawn to Pune’s prominent Ganesh pandals, renowned for their devotion. In one such event, actor Raveena Tandon shared a video of her visit to India's oldest Ganpati pandal.
On Instagram, Raveena posted a video where she performed 'Mahaaarti' at the Shrimant Bhausaheb Rangari Ganpati on Thursday, accompanied by her 'very special guest,' her pet dog. She also prayed for the safety of those in flood‑affected regions including Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Jammu & Kashmir, and Punjab.
In the video, Raveena showcased the venue, transformed into a museum. She performed a bhajan and played the manjira, a musical instrument and was also seen clapping with her eyes closed while standing near the altar. She applied a tika on her forehead and later put some on her dog, who accompanied her at the venue. For the darshan, Raveena wore a beige shirt and a colorful skirt, with her hair tied in a bun.
Sharing the post, Raveena reflected on her experience, saying, "And as we bid farewell to Bappa, I was lucky to get the opportunity to visit the first ever Ganpati ji Pandal, which was started by Shrimant Bhausahab Rangari ji, whom we owe a lot to. Our braveheart freedom fighters who used to meet in this very house, beautifully restored by Shri @punitbalan ji, whom I’m very thankful to for inviting me for Darshan."
The pandal was established by Bhausahab Rangari at his home in 1892 and is regarded as India's oldest Ganpati pandal, alongside the one founded at Keshavji Naik Chawl in Mumbai by Bal Gangadhar Tilak in the same year. The Shrimant Bhausaheb Rangari Ganpati Mandal, recognized as the first public Ganesh Mandal in India, continues to attract devotees annually with its rich history and profound devotion.
After the darshan, Raveena spoke to the media and shared her experience. "I have prayed to Lord Ganesha that all the people of our country, and I am not only talking about humans, but all living beings, remain safe," she stated according to the news agency.