Ganesh mandals want PMC to fund the festival this year

In an inconclusive discussion, civic body presses for low-key celebrations; organisers ask for 10x10 ft pandals and diversion of allocations made for Wari, which was cancelled

The state’s grand public festival, Ganeshotsav, will have to woefully shed its largesse this year in order to avoid crowding in the times of pandemic. The mandals are well aware of the times and have said that they will take a simplistic approach. However, they are lacking funds this year and thus, they have asked civic body for aid. It has asked these mandals to set the idols in temples and refrain from constructing pandals — an idea which the organisers are not keen on and have instead, harped on their simplistic narrative.

These issues were discussed in a meeting organised by Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) with Ganesh mandals to discuss the new rules being implemented against the backdrop of COVID-19. The organisers have been asked to shrink the pandals if not refrains, keeping elaborate space for ambulances. The mandals also spoke of their financial problems, requesting civic body to help. Rushikesh Balgude, member of Ganesh mandal from Khadak, said, “Neither there will be sponsorship from ads this year nor will we be able to collect money. Thus, PMC should extend its purse to us.”

The dearth of finances was explained by Swapnil Naik, member of Patit Pavan Sanghatna. He said, “The traders have suffered during the lockdown. Hence, collecting contributions is impossible. Nonetheless, cancelling celebrations does not make sense. While we agree there should be no decorations, PMC should at least sponsor 10x10 ft pandals. It has finances saved for the annual palkhi, which should be diverted to Ganeshotsav.”


Joint commissioner of police Ravindra Shisve pressed for the contrary — to keep the celebrations low-key by avoiding pandals and setting up idols inside temples. While stating so, he also drew comparisons with the annulment of Wari. “We cancelled the annual pilgrimage this year. In this vein, we can definitely set an example by celebrating Ganeshotsav in a simplistic manner. Majority of the mandals have small temples for keeping their idols through the year. They should be retained in their place this year,” he said.

Shivse requested the prestigious mandals like Dagdusheth and Kasba Ganpati to set an example for others.

However, during the parleys, the mandals seemed adamant on their demand. Responding to Shivse, a few members said that their temples are “too small” and would lead to “crowding”.

Mahesh Suryawanshi, treasurer of Dagdusheth Halwai Mandal, said, “We have discussed the problems with cops. But in times like these, we should do whatever is best for people. The matters will be discussed further before a decision is taken.”

In the meanwhile, Mayor Murlidhar Mohol urged the mandals to immerse the idols inside their houses and at the pandals instead of going to the riverfront.

Objections to the meeting

Congress leader Aba Bagul objected to the meeting — he was unhappy over the large number of attendees and the fact that PMC has been cancelling general body meets citing the “crowding” part. He asked if corporators are not being allowed to gather on premises according to government orders, why were Ganesh mandal representatives, cops and others allowed to be on the same premises.