A rift has emerged among Pune’s Ganesh mandals over the visarjan sequence. Over 100 mandals plan early immersion. Entrepreneur Puneet Balan opposes DJ use, urging traditional dhol-tasha celebrations instead.
Pune | August 4, 2025 :With just weeks left for Ganeshotsav, one of Pune’s most celebrated festivals, a major controversy has erupted among Ganesh mandals regarding the order of the Visarjan procession. Traditionally a grand and vibrant farewell to Lord Ganesha, the procession draws lakhs of devotees from across India and abroad, especially for Pune’s iconic public Ganesh celebrations.
This year, disagreements have surfaced as over 100 Ganesh mandals have decided to conduct their immersion processions before the “Respected Ganpati” (Manache Ganpati), which typically leads the immersion order. These early-procession plans have sparked tensions among various mandals, many of whom argue that the traditional immersion sequence must be maintained.
The controversy stems from several mandals forming internal alliances and independently making decisions about their visarjan timing, which disrupts the age-old structure of the Pune immersion sequence. As a result, the city’s Ganesh mandal coordination, unity, and traditional rhythm are under question.
This issue raises concerns about how this year’s Ganesh Visarjan will be organized and whether it will preserve the harmony and grandeur Pune is known for. Devotees and city residents alike are hoping for a peaceful and coordinated celebration, as always.
Amid the growing noise around DJ systems in immersion processions, entrepreneur Puneet Balan, head of the Puneet Balan Group, has made headlines by refusing to donate to mandals that use DJs. His aim, he says, is to encourage traditional Dhol-Tasha performances during the visarjan. His decision is being seen as a push to bring back the cultural roots of the festival.
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