Pune: Eleven Ganesh mandals in Dhankawadi have decided to conduct a joint procession on Saturday (September 7) to reduce traffic congestion and noise pollution during Ganesh Chaturthi.

The initiative seeks to address the issues arising from separate processions, such as vehicle overcrowding and the loud drumming of traditional drums and cymbals troupes.

By placing all eleven Ganesh idols on a single chariot, the mandals are set to save at least ₹50,000 each in procession expenses.

The participating mandals include prominent local groups such as Sainath Mitra Mandal, Shri Shiv Chhatrapati Mitra Mandal, Adarsh Mitra Mandal, and others, who have collaborated to make this event possible.

The procession will commence at 12 PM from Gulabnagar and will traverse a route through Dhankawadi Village, Keshav Complex, Vidyanagari Shivshankar Chowk, culminating at Mohannagar.

Along the way, the procession will feature traditional elements, including performances by Jnana Prabodhini’s dhol-tasha troupe, the Govinda Band, and displays of tribal traditions from Palghar and Gadchiroli.

According to Uday Jagtap of Adarsh Mitra Mandal, this marks the third consecutive year of the joint procession, a tradition that began to curb the rising costs and logistical challenges of individual mandal processions.

Typically, each mandal would spend between ₹50,000 to ₹60,000 for their separate events. Last year, the cost was reduced to ₹15,000 per mandal through the joint procession, and despite current inflation, this year's expenses are anticipated to be around ₹18,000 to ₹20,000 per mandal.

Organizers believe that the joint effort will not only be cost-effective but also help in alleviating the city's traffic issues and reducing noise levels, offering a more organized and harmonious celebration for the community.