Pune: The Akhil Mandai Mandal and the Shrimant Bhausaheb Rangari Ganpati Trust join the immersion procession on Laxmi Road and are major attractions for Ganesh devotees across the world. From this year, the two major mandals have decided to not join the procession in the evening but after the Five Manache Ganpati Mandals proceed in the procession.

A press conference was held to share information regarding this, where key attendees included Akhil Mandai Mandal President Anna Thorat, Shrimant Bhausaheb Rangari Ganpati Trust Trustee and Celebration Chief Punit Balan and its President Sanjeev Jawale along with Sanjay Mate and Vishwas Bhor from Akhil Mandai Mandal.

In a press meet held to give details about their decision, Akhil Mandai Mandal President Anna Thorat, Shrimant Bhausaheb Rangari Ganpati Trust Trustee and Celebration Chief Punit Balan and its President Sanjeev Jawale and others were present.

Anna Thorat said, “Ganeshotsav is a religious festival and its duration of all 10 days is important. The immersion procession day or Anant Chaturdashi is the most important day, which falls on September 6 this year. However, on September 7, the next day, there is a total lunar eclipse, when all idols of deities are covered. Therefore, it is important that the idols are brought back to their respective temples before noon on the eclipse day.

“We were ready to join the procession at 7 pm in the past three years. However, the police department did not keep its promise. Hence, we were not allowed to join the procession in spite of our readiness. Therefore, we have made the decision to join the procession immediately after the Five Manache Ganpati join it. We appeal to all Ganesh mandals to complete the immersion procession before noon (12 pm).”

Punit Balan said, “The eclipse will begin at 12.37 on Sunday (September 7). It is necessary that all Ganesh mandals should bring back their idols to their respective temple half an hour before the eclipse begins. Therefore, the immersion procession needs to be completed early. We have decided to join the procession immediately after the Five Manache Ganpati proceed from the Tilak Putala Chowk at Mandai. If all Ganesh mandals decide to cooperate, it will reduce the burden on the police and the civic administration.”