Pune: Shrimant Bhausaheb Rangari Ganpati bid farewell, Mayurpankhi Rath attracts devotees (Videos)

Pune: Hindustan’s first Ganpati mandal Shrimant Bhausaheb Rangari Ganpati was given farewell in a golden Mayurpankhi Rath (chariot) attractively decorated with roses, illuminated with ‘cold fire’, amidst beating of Dhol-Tasha, demonstrations of traditional games and tossing of ‘Bhandara’ (turmeric powder). Thousands of devotees witnessed the grand procession.

Acharya Swami Govind Giri Maharaj worshipped Shrimant Bhausaheb Rangari Ganapati Bappa on Tuesday morning. Later, Bappa rode on Mayurpankhi Rath from Vighneshwar Wada to Lokmanya Tilak’s statue at Mahatma Phule Mandai at 8.30 am. The glorious procession started after Tilak’s statue and five Manache Ganpati were garlanded on behalf of Shrimant Bhausaheb Rangari Ganpati Trust.

Celebration Chief and Trustee Punit Balan decided that a pair of bullocks used for pulling the Rath would be done away with considering the hardship caused to poor animals. A special chariot (Rath) was built after 132 years. The golden Mayurpankhi Rath was attracting attention in the procession. Celebration Chief Punit Balan was the charioteer of the Rath. The actual procession started around 3.15 am.

A statue of Bhausaheb Rangari and the traditional ‘nagara’ were at the front of the procession. Thrilling traditional games were demonstrated. Dhol-Tasha Pathaks such as Samarth, Shivmudra and Shriram enthused the procession with their performances. Mandal workers were tossing ‘Bhandara’ at various places on the procession route. Ganesh Bhakts were showering flower petals on the procession along the route. ‘Cold fire’-illumined Rath became a major attraction in the procession.

Joint CP Ranjan Kumar Sharma performed ‘Aarti’ at 8.30 am as the procession arrived at Tilak Chowk. Bappa then proceeded for immersion. Then Shrimant Bhausaheb Rangari Ganpati was bid farewell in a devotional and emotional atmosphere.

“The immersion procession of Shrimant Bhausaheb Rangari Ganpati Trust was held with enthusiasm. We joined the procession after the Police Department granted permission. We tried to complete the procession in a short time. I thank the police, the civic administration, office-bearers and all workers for their cooperation.”

• Punit Balan (Trustee and Celebration Chief, Shrimant Bhausaheb Rangari Ganapati Trust)