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Expanding the gaiety and fervour of Ganeshotsav for the second year in a row, seven prominent Ganesh Mandals from Pune came together to celebrate the festival of Ganesh Chaturthi in Kashmir on Saturday.
The 10-day festival that will begin with Ganesh Chaturthi on September 7 has been expanded to two more locations, mainly Anantnag and Kupwara. Last year, Ganesh Mandals held Ganeshotsav celebrations in Srinagar. The seven participating Ganesh Mandals, including Kasba Ganpati, Tambdi Jogeshwari, Guruji Talim, Tulshibaug Ganpati, Kesariwada Ganpati Mandal, Shrimant Bhausaheb Rangari Ganpati, and Akhil Mandai Mandal, handed over replicas of their revered Ganpati idols to a group of Kashmiri Pandits who arrived in Pune on Saturday to take these idols. Sandeep Raina, a Kashmiri pandit, said that they were continuing the tradition of celebrating the festival with great pomp and show. He further added that the Ganpati celebrations would take place in Anantnag this year, where majority of the Kashmiri pandits reside. Speaking to ANI, Raina said, "Last year, after 35 years, the Ganpati Visarjan took place, and we are continuing the traditions this year with great pomp and show. The Visarjan will take place in Anantnag this year, where the majority of the Kashmiri pandits reside. We have also arranged for a road rally during the Visarjan this year. The people are very excited. The whole programme will last for five days in Anantnag. These idols would be installed in Kashmir during Ganeshotsav, symbolising the spirit of unity and cultural harmony." Further, Punit Balan, President of the Shrimant Bhausaheb Rangari Ganpati Trust and head of the Ganpati Festival, expressed his joy and contentment in being part of this initiative. He emphasised that the celebration of Ganeshotsav in Kashmir after a gap of 34 years marks a significant milestone, indicating the return of peace and cultural traditions to the valley. "In 2022, when all the pandals of Pune had come together, a lot of criticism was received and questioned on what was the need to celebrate the festival in Kashmir. However, the occasion of Ganesh Utsav is not celebrated just in Pune but around the world," Balan said. He further added that three idols from Pune were going to Kashmir, and further added that it was a sign that peace was prevailing in the valley. "This year, three idols are being sent from Pune to Kashmir for the celebrations that are taking place there. However, if we look, this is a sign that peace is now prevailing in the valley after the abrogation of Article 370," he added. This initiative showcases the power of cultural exchange and unity, transcending geographical boundaries. (ANI)
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