Pune, 22 August 2025: Pune’s much-debated Ganeshotsav immersion procession issue has finally been resolved after days of discussions and disagreements among Ganesh mandals. At a key meeting held at the Circuit House, Union Minister Murlidhar Mohol, BJP MLA Hemant Rasane, and representatives of prominent mandals including the Manache Ganpati reached a common agreement.
Speaking after the meeting, Mohol said that while there were differences of opinion, there were no personal rifts among the mandals. “We are all part of the same family. Today’s dialogue brought us together on a common stand,” he noted.
The main decision was to begin the immersion procession of the revered “Manache Ganpati” at 9:30 am. To ensure smooth movement, it was agreed that the number of drum troupes would be reduced, no mandal would engage in stationary performances, and the procession would be completed within a shorter timeframe.
MLA Hemant Rasane emphasized that the revered Ganpatis were central to the immersion system, and every Ganpati carried equal respect. He added that traditional non-electric lighting setups would be allowed between 12 pm and 7 pm, while electric lighting units would join after 7 pm.
Kasba Ganpati president Shrikant Shete welcomed the resolution, announcing that the immersion would start earlier than usual this year. “The focus should remain on devotion and the cultural message of Ganeshotsav, rather than prolonging the final immersion day. This decision allows us to concentrate on the ten days of celebration before Visarjan,” he said.
The dignitaries expressed pride that Ganeshotsav has been granted the status of a state festival and urged all mandals to maintain discipline and unity. With this consensus, Pune is set to celebrate Ganeshotsav in harmony and with renewed devotion.