Echo of Dhol-Tasha and devotion to Bappa: These 6 cities are best to see the real Ganeshotsav of Maharashtra; Know where the most grand form is seen Best cities to celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi in Maharashtra

Whenever we talk about the culture and traditions of Maharashtra, the name of Ganeshotsav comes first. On this great festival that lasts for 10 days from Bhadrapada Shukla Chaturthi to Anant Chaturdashi, the entire state is drenched in the chants of Ganpati Bappa, traditional costumes, fragrant modaks and the echo of hair-raising ‘Dhol-Tasha Pathak’. The real colour, grandeur and devotion of this public Ganeshotsav, started by Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak, which is seen on the soil of Maharashtra, is not seen anywhere else in the world.

If you want to witness the supernatural devotion of Bappa and the traditional celebration of Maharashtra this Ganesh Chaturthi, then visit these places in the state. 6 major cities Must visit:

Pune is called the cultural capital of Ganeshotsav. The discipline, traditional customs and Dhol-Tasha Pathak of the youth are famous all over the world. centuries old in pune ‘Manache 5 Ganpati’ The philosophy of is considered the most sacred:

• Shri Kasba Ganapati (First Value): Village deity and most revered Ganapati of Pune.

• Tambdi Jogeshwari (second value): Bappa coming out in a traditional silver palanquin.

• Guruji Talim (Third Value): Historical symbol of Hindu-Muslim unity.

• Tulsibag Ganpati (4th Man): Ancient statue adorned with giant glass and jewellery.

• Kesari Vada Ganapati (Fifth Mana): Historical Society established by Lokmanya Tilak.

• Shrimant Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati: The most grand and richest pandal of Pune, where Bappa is decorated with gold ornaments worth crores and a supernatural temple theme.

Mumbai, the city of dreams, transforms into an ocean of faith during Ganeshotsav. The grandeur of the pandals here, the gathering of celebrities and the crowd of lakhs of devotees is worth seeing:

• Lalbaugcha Raja: Famous as Bappa who fulfills the wishes, where long queues are formed for 24 to 30 hours for darshan.

• GSB Seva Mandal Kings Circle: India’s richest pandal, where the idol of Bappa is plated with more than 60 to 70 kg of pure gold and 300 kg of silver.

• Girgaum Chowpatty immersion: On the day of Anant Chaturdashi, the night-long immersion procession at Girgaum Chowpatty and Juhu Beach, showering of gulal and beats of dhol-tasha is an unforgettable experience.

Ganeshotsav is celebrated with traditional Peshwai splendor and devotion in the pilgrimage city of Nashik.

• Ghats of Godavari River: The view of the special Ganesh Maha Aarti held in the evening on the banks of Ramkund and Godavari river is extremely captivating.

• Ancient Board: Unique tunes of traditional musical instruments, Legim and Dhol-Tasha can be heard in ‘Nasikcha Raja’ and ‘Peshve Ganeshotsav’ of the old city of Nashik.

The color of Ganeshotsav in Kolhapur, also known as South Kashi, is very unique.

• Live Tables: Ganesh Mandal of Kolhapur is known across the country for creating moving live tableaux based on the history of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, bravery of the Maratha Empire and social messages.

• Traditional procession: When youth wearing traditional Phanta (turban) play drums and drums in the narrow streets of Miraj and Kolhapur, the entire atmosphere fills with energy.

The festival of Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated with unparalleled enthusiasm in Nagpur, the capital of Vidarbha region.

• Sri Tekdi Ganpati Temple: Situated on a small hill near the railway station, this self-styled ancient Ganesh temple is one of the most sacred faith centers of Vidarbha, attracting lakhs of devotees during the festival.

• Nagpurcha Raja (Reshimbagh) and other divisions: The pandals of Reshimbagh and Itwari, among the largest pandals in Central India, are known for their huge sculptures and grand themes.

Ganeshotsav in the historical heritage city of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar presents a confluence of unique folk arts of Marathwada.

• Sansthan Ganpati: In the city’s oldest institution, Ganpati Temple, worship is performed according to hundreds of years of tradition as per Vedic rituals.

• Kranti Chowk and Gulmandi: During festive days, the areas of Kranti Chowk and Gulmandi come alive with colorful lights, folk dances and power displays by Dhol-Tasha troupes.