Pune: The Ganesh festival brings with it the demands of 24-hour vigilance and heightened security measures for police officers, but for the women officers at Dighi Police Station near Alandi, it also brings an opportunity for devotion.
Despite the pressures of their work, they are taking time to worship Lord Ganesha and participate in devotional singing (bhajans) during the festival.
Leading this effort is Rekha Waje, a police officer with a captivating voice, whose rendition of traditional hymns, particularly Gavlani songs, has enthralled her colleagues for the past four years.
This year, once again, Waje led her fellow officers in a spiritual celebration, singing devotional hymns in honor of Lord Ganesha.
Located just four kilometers from Alandi on the palkhi route, Dighi Police Station has not always celebrated religious events, especially since the new building was constructed.
However, last year, officer Kanchan Pandit, with the support of her seniors and colleagues, initiated the celebration of Ganesh Utsav at the station.
This year, the tradition continued with the installation of a Ganesh idol, a Satyanarayana Puja, and an evening filled with bhajans. The women police officers, balancing their duties with their devotion, joined the bhajan session with enthusiasm.
Rekha Waje, originally from Nagar district, grew up in a religious environment where she developed a love for singing bhajans, particularly Gavlani songs inspired by Sant Eknath Maharaj.
After joining the police force, Waje was distanced from this spiritual atmosphere. However, her recent posting at Dighi Police Station, near Alandi, allowed her to reconnect with her religious roots, especially through her involvement in the palkhi processions.
Inspired by the festive spirit of Ganesh Utsav, Waje led her fellow officers in singing hymns, blending devotion with their professional responsibilities.
The moment was a heartwarming reminder of the balance these women officers strike between their demanding roles as police officers and their personal lives.