In this post, I have mentioned the top famous Ganpati in Pune city. The 10 days Ganpati festival is the largest celebrated festival in the city of Pune. There is always so much to see, eat and experience. I have combined my years and years of expertise in Ganpati Mandal hopping in Pune so that you have the most of this crazy yearly event.
I grew up in Pune city and my favourite memory from here has always been the 10 days Ganpati festival. And I still remember how my father held my hand tightly as we walked through the crowds. He enthusiastically showed me the best and most famous Ganpati in Pune. As a kid, it was fascinating to look at the larger-than-life displays and decorations at every Ganpati Pandal in Pune. And even now as a grown-up, that craze hasn’t died down.
2023 update – This year in 2023 the celebrations are going to be at their peak. The most awaited Ganpati is the replica of the Ram mandir Ayodhya created at the Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati. Along with this, there are several other mandals, with different amazing decorations and displays. Overall spirits of Pune city seem to be at an all-time high!
Ganesh festival in Pune
If you are new and have no idea what this 10 day Ganesh festival means, below is some background for you.
Lord Ganesha or Ganpati is the god of new beginnings, the god who removes all the obstacles and the god of intelligence. He is also a foodie and enjoys eating sweet Modaks. Ganesh festival in India is a 10 day festival, where people, families and social groups gather together and worship and celebrate this god. People bring the idols of Ganesha and worship them for 10 days, offering different sweets as Nayvedya and flowers. It is a very merry festival, which culminates in Ganpati Visarjan, where these Ganpati idols are immersed in the waters of a river or lake. Huge rallies with a lot of decorations, music, and people are formed on this last day. It is like one large party.
Related post: Ashtavinayak temples near Pune
The history of the Ganpati festival in Pune
Ganesh festival was first started in Pune by Lokmanya Tilak aka. Bal Gangadhar Tilka. At that time India was fighting for freedom from the British rule. And Tilak’s strategy behind starting the festival was to have an excuse for having large public gatherings. It brought all the people together. Fast forward to the present day, Ganesh festival is the largest festive celebration in Pune city, which is even greater than Diwali or Navratri. The Ganpati pandals and decorations not only attract people from Pune city and outskirts, but also from all over Maharashtra. Moreover, people from several other parts of India also visit Pune city specially for this Ganesh festival.
How to visit the famous Ganpati in Pune
There is no specific way or route to be followed to visit the different Ganpati temples in Pune. All of them are located in the heart of the Pune city. But we always followed the following route and it covers the majority of the top Ganpati mandals of Pune. You may follow this same route or come up with something else. The best way to visit them is by walking. Because walking will be definitely faster than getting stuck in traffic jams. The police will even seal off some areas for vehicles in order to manage the crowds.
The Entire circuit of Ganpati in Pune
Kasba Ganpati Mandir – Tambadi Jogeshwari – Bhau Rangari Mandal – have a hot veg pattice at the New Pune Bakery here – Guruji Talim Mandal – Tulshi Baug Ganpati – Shrimant Dagdusheth Ganpati temple – Babu Genu Mandal Ichapurti Ganpati – Mandai cha Ganpati – Jilbya Maruti Mandal – Natu Baug Mandal on Bajirao road – Shanipar cha Ganpati – Nimbalkar Talim – have a Sujata Mastani here – Nagnath Par Mandal – Shagun Chowk – Kesariwada cha Ganpati – Nearby Bhide Pul – Garud Ganpati Mandal – Hatti Ganpati Mandal – saving the best one for the last – Chp. Rajaram Mandal.
Chp Rajaram Mandal has been awarded the best decoration for several years and this is the one Ganpati you cannot afford to miss in Pune city.
If you follow this route you will cover most of the famous ganpati in Pune. Additionally, there will be several small ganpati mandals on every nook and corner on this route. I don’t know the exact names of some of the ganpati mandals in a few places, so I mentioned the nearby landmarks. The decorations and themes change each year, but the most famous Ganpati in Pune remain almost the same every year. Each and every Ganpati is unique in their own way. Take a moment to pray and make a wish.
The Manache Ganpati in Pune
Historically, since the old times, there have been these top 5 Ganpati ie. the Manache Pach Ganpati in Pune city. These top 5 are always given more importance, and they also lead the Visarjan Miravnuk (rallies) on the last day.
- Manacha Pahila Ganpati – Kasba Ganpati
- Manacha Dusra Ganpati – Tambadi Jogeshwari
- Manacha Teesra Ganpati – Guruji Talim Mandal
- Manacha Choutha Ganpati – Tulshi Baug
- Manacha Pachva Ganpati – Kesariwada
No 1. Kasba Ganpati – Manacha Pahila Ganpati
The Kasba Ganpati in Pune is the Gramdaivat of Pune city, which means it is the presiding deity of Pune city. It is also the Manacha Pahila Ganpati which means the first Ganpati of importance in Pune city. This temple was built by Chp. Shivaji Maharaj and Jijabai Bhosale. Needless to say, you must begin your Ganpati hopping in Pune city at this temple. The decorations here are simplistic but still very pretty and eye-catching. Also, make sure to go inside the actual old temple, it is very peaceful. And there will be some colourful rangolis inside.
No 2. Tambadi Jogeshwari – Manacha Dusra Ganpati
The Tambi Jogeshwari in Pune is the Gramdevi of Pune city, which means the presiding goddess of Pune city. The Manacha Dusra Ganpati which means the second Ganpati of importance in Pune city is hosted here. The decorations here are also simplistic, but they keep changing them once in a few days. Make sure to visit the ancient Tambadi Jogeshwari temple nearby. This is the temple of the Durga goddess which was established in the 15th century. There will be beautiful flower decorations here.
No 3. Guruji Talim Mandal – Manacha Teesra Ganpati
Guruji Talim Ganpati is the third Ganpati of importance in Pune city. It is the oldest Ganpati mandal as it was established even before Lokmany Tilak started this festival. The most special fact of this Ganpati is that it was established by a Hindu and a Muslim – Bhiku Shinde and Ustaad Nalban. The decorations here are always over the top and very glittery. Foodies must have ice cream at the Kawre ice cream shop or a sandwich at Supreme sandwich which is nearby.
No 4. Tulshi baug cha Ganpati – Manacha Chautha Ganpati
If you are a resident of Pune, then it is better to visit this Ganpati in Pune during the non-rush hours of the early morning. This Ganpati is located inside a very busy market area, which has a small space that gets extremely crowded in the evening. Make sure you admire the jewellery of the Ganesha deity, it weighs around 80 kgs.
Just nearby this Ganpati you will find a vivid display of Puneri Patya – the sarcastic Puneri signboards. Just search around nearby, it’s very close to the Ganpati pandal. The display of these quirky Puneri signboards is definitely worth visiting and not to be missed.
No. 5. Kesariwada Ganpati – Manacha Pachva Ganpati
Kesariwada was the home of Lokmanya Tilak, the person who started this entire Ganesh festival. When you visit this Ganpati in Pune, make sure you also go inside the actual Kesariwada. The descendants of Tilak still live here. There is also a museum dedicated to Lokmanya Tilak.
Several live events are hosted inside the old home of this legendary leader during this 10-day festival. You will find the events timetable on the giant wooden doors, just have look if you find something that interests you.
Other notable must visit Ganpati in Pune
Apart from the above top 5 historic Manache Ganpati in Pune, you must also visit the below famous Ganpati in Pune.
6. Dagdusheth Ganpati temple
You may have heard a lot about the Dagdusheth cha Ganpati, the most famous Ganpati in Pune. But let me shock you by saying that it’s not really in one of these top 5 Ganpati in Pune. And there is a special reason for this fact. The top 5 Manache Ganpati are ancient places of worship and they are really old with a lot of history. Dagdusheth Ganapati temple also has historical importance, but it is a relatively new temple, as compared to the above 5 Manache Ganpati in Pune. Nevertheless, it has one of the top-notch decorations and any visit to Pune city is incomplete without visiting this temple.
7. Babu Genu
Babu Genu Mandal is just a little ahead of the Dagdusheth Ganpati’s pandal. You must take the road to the right side of the Kaka Halwai, to find this one. Every year they recreate some temples from other parts of India or some imaginary temple. The decoration is fantastic, and usually, they have garlands of INR currency notes around the Ganesha idol. There will also be an Ichapurti Kalash outside. People try to throw a coin inside this Kalash (bowl) and make a wish. This is one of the most beautiful and famous Ganpati in Pune.
8. Natu Baug
Natu Baug is well known for its larger-than-life colourful display of lights. Each year the number of lightbulbs here is increased. These lights are synchronized to form numerous colourful patterns which create a very unique display. This display runs in sync with some loud music. This type of scale and decoration cannot be found at any other Ganpati pandal in Pune. The show starts in the evening after sunset and runs continuously till midnight.
9. Shanipar Mandal
Shanipar Mandal is known to create a huge world of displays on the open ground that they have. Every year several artists and sculptors are brought here for around Maharashtra for this purpose. And the resulting art is mindblowing. I remember they had created a series of caves once with several unique sculptures inside, and we were supposed to walk from one cave to the next. It all ends in the last room where they keep the idol of Ganpati. You must not miss this Ganpati in Pune, it is very unique and mind-blowing every year. They also sometimes have live dramas or jivant dekhava which are stories taken from the history of Chp Shivaji Maharaj. They sometimes charge an entry ticket of a minimal amount. It is worth waiting in the queue, but if you are smart you can try to visit it in the morning.
10. Bhau Rangari Mandal
This Mandal is located just close to the Tambadi Jogeshwari and Dagdusheth Ganpati temples. The Ganesha idol here is very unique and can rarely be found anywhere else. The idol depicts lord Ganesha killing an asura (giant). This symbolizes strength along with wisdom. It was worshipped by many revolutionaries during the freedom struggle of India. Every year they have an amazing show depicting stories from Indian mythology and history. This show has characters that are actually fully operational and moving statues. It is fun to watch for the kids and the adults alike. It is close to the New Pune Bakery, which serves nice hot pattice snacks.
11. Chp. Rajaram Mandal
I have been saving the best one for the last. This mandal always gives tough competition to the Shanipar Mandal every year. And what’s more, they have consistently won the award for best Ganpati in Pune for several years. They are known to make a replica of other famous temples in India. I remember they had made Jejuri temple one year, then Pandharpur Vitthal mandir in some other year. They had also made a replica of some south Indian temples. It is very very unique and beautiful. You MUST NOT miss this one.
These are just the Manache Ganpati in Pune and some other famous Ganpati in Pune, but when you are actually in Pune city, you will surely find hundreds of small mandals of Ganpati in Pune in every galli and petha (nook and corner).
The 5 Manache Ganpati are the most important top 5 Ganpati in Pune city. They are as follows –
1. Kasba Ganpati – Manacha Pahila Ganpati
2. Tambadi Jogeshwari – Manacha Dusra Ganpati
3. Guruji Talim Mandal – Manacha Teesra Ganpati
4. Tulshi Baug – Manacha Choutha Ganpati
5. Kesariwada – Manacha Pachva Ganpati
Lokmanya Tilak aka. Bal Gangadhar Tilak started the Ganesh festival in Pune city, India. At that time India was fighting for freedom from the British rule. Tilak started this festival to bring the people of India together. Centuries later this festival is now celebrated all over India and even by Indians living abroad.
Thanks for the tips. trying to follow your route this weekend. Btw how do u map the routes in Google maps or you take one destination after another ?
We never really used the map because we always knew all the Ganpati mandals in Pune. But you can plan your route based on your interests and the time available. And when you are actually here then you can improvise it as per your liking. You will find all of them in google maps.
You have written an awesome blog with so much details. It will surely make my Ganesh Chaturthi in Pune a memorable experience. Can you please tell if all the lighting and decoration in the pandals take place from Day 1 or we have to go and visit after certain Day. Also what is the timing of these pandals ?Till what time is it open at night ?
Decorations start from the first day itself, but the Mandals might not be completely ready. So you can visit from 2nd day onwards. The time when Gaurya comes is best time for visiting, because most of the people are busy in Gauri Poojan. So there is less rush here. After Gauri Visarjan all the Mandals are fully ready, its more fun but also more crowded. The last day is also cool.
This is an excellent blog Shraddha, I am from Pune but was away in Bangalore last 11 years and we have also lost a couple of years due to covid. It’s going to be amazing fun.
Thank you Shepherd girl. I will visit ❤️ Only I want is ganpati bappa’s blessings 🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺
Please write a map guide for first day of Ganapati in Pune. Visual will be most helpful.