Pune, Sep 25 The reverberating beats of dhol-tasha performance troupes rent the air as the grand Ganesh immersion procession commenced here on Friday, with the city’s first Manacha Ganapati, the Kasba Ganapati, setting out on a flower-bedecked palanquin to pave the way for the remaining four eminent mandals to join the parade.
The Pune Municipal Corporation and police authorities appealed to all major Ganesh mandals to begin their processions early to ensure the grand proceedings conclude on schedule without stretching into the following day.
Union Minister of State Murlidhar Mohol offered a garland before the beautifully decorated palanquin of the Kasba Ganpati at Mandai Chowk, as the sounds of ‘shankh naad’ (conch-shell blowing) and energetic ‘dhol tasha’ beats filled the atmosphere.
Shortly after, the remaining four revered ‘Manache’ Ganapati mandals — Tambadi Jogeshwari, Guruji Talim, Tulshibaug, and Kesariwada — also joined the procession along their designated routes.
The police administration and the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) have put elaborate security and crowd management arrangements in place.
Speaking to reporters, Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar said high-tech surveillance and specialised security units have been deployed along all key routes to avert any untoward incident.
“We urge the Ganesh mandals to strictly follow the traffic advisories to facilitate a smooth and timely procession. We have also instructed the groups to adhere to time limits set for dhol-tasha performances,” Kumar added, noting that drones and extensive CCTV networks are actively monitoring the immersion routes.
(PTI News)
