Ahead of Ganeshotsav starting Wednesday, Pune’s markets witnessed huge Sunday crowds.
Citizens shopped for idols, decorations, lights, furniture, and festive essentials.
The festive buzz spread beyond central Pune to suburbs and Pimpri-Chinchwad markets.
Pune, 25 August 2025: Pune’s markets witnessed a massive rush on Sunday, the last weekend before Ganeshotsav begins on August 27. Lakshmi Road, Tulshibaug, Tilak Road, Shivaji Road, Mandai, and other busy shopping areas were packed with citizens eager to buy festival essentials.
Families shopped for household and community celebrations alike, with strong demand for Ganesh idols, decorative materials, wooden and cardboard mandaps, ready-made floral sets, lights, artificial torans, and bamboo and cloth for pandals. Many also purchased electronic goods, kitchenware, and furniture. Traders noted that ready-made decoration items and new light designs were particularly popular this year.
The festive spirit was not limited to the city centre. Markets in Kharadi, Aundh, Vadgaon Sheri, Kothrud, Warje, Katraj, Bibwewadi, and the Pimpri-Chinchwad area also reported heavy crowds. Many families combined shopping with leisurely strolls through bazaars, soaking in the festive mood.
Ganesh mandals across Pune are also busy with final preparations, adding to the city’s vibrant atmosphere. Shopkeepers expect the shopping momentum to continue over the next two to three days, keeping markets abuzz until the festival begins.