Pune Police Assure Hassle-Free Ganeshotsav 2025: No New Restrictions, Last Year’s Permissions Valid

Pune: As the city prepares for Ganeshotsav 2025, Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar has assured that the festival will proceed without any new or one-sided restrictions. Organizers will not be required to apply for fresh police permissions, as approvals granted last year will remain valid.

The announcement was made during the National Ganesh Festival Competition award ceremony, held on Sunday. The event was jointly hosted by the Shrimant Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Trust and Suvarnayug Tarun Mandal and witnessed the presence of several dignitaries and prominent community leaders.

“There is no need to reapply for permissions this year. The police will not impose unilateral restrictions and will instead ensure smooth conduct of the festivities,” Commissioner Kumar said. He added that the city’s Ganesh festival is unparalleled in scale and community involvement.

Recalling his experience last year, he noted, “The grandeur and people’s participation in Pune’s Ganeshotsav is exceptional. Our arrangements this year will prioritize convenience for citizens. Traffic management will be a key focus, and police interference will be minimal.”

106 Mandals, Schools Honoured; ₹14.95 Lakh in Prizes

The competition recognized outstanding contributions by various Ganesh mandals and schools across the city. Shivaji Mitra Mandal from Bhosale Marg, Bhawani Peth, secured the top prize, followed by Shree Shani Maruti Bal Ganesh Mandal from Erandwane in second place, and Potsulya Maruti Mandal from Nana Peth in third.

Navjyot Mitra Mandal Trust from Navi Khadki, Yerawada, and Vinayak Navyug Mitra Mandal from Bhandarkar Road placed fourth and fifth respectively. Out of 194 participating mandals and schools, 106 received awards, with a total prize amount of ₹14.95 lakh distributed.

A special felicitation was given to Vikas Pawar, President of Shree Tulshibaug Public Ganeshotsav Mandal, as the mandal marks its 125th year of celebration this season.

Dignitaries Present

The ceremony was attended by several notable figures including Jagadguru Krupankit Dr. Chetananand Maharaj, former MLA Ulhas Pawar, former Mayor Ankush Kakade, Akhil Mandai Mandal President Anna Thorat, Shree Kasba Ganpati Mandal President Shrikant Shete, Dagdusheth Ganpati Trust President Sunil Rasane, Vice President Manik Chavan, Treasurer Mahesh Suryavanshi, MLA and General Secretary Hemant Rasane, Joint Secretary Amol Kedari, Festival Head Akshay Godse, and Suvarnayug Tarun Mandal President Prakash Chavan. Mahesh Suryavanshi moderated the event.

Ulhas Pawar’s Appeal: “DJs Aren’t Ganeshotsav’s Essence”

Former MLA Ulhas Pawar called upon the community to preserve the cultural spirit of Ganeshotsav. “The festival, started by Lokmanya Tilak, was meant to foster unity and awareness. Over time, the focus has shifted to DJs and loud music. Historically, traditional bands led processions—not booming speakers,” he remarked, urging mandals to return to the festival’s roots.

Anant Chaturdashi Immersion Timings May Shift Due to Eclipse

Akhil Mandai Mandal President Anna Thorat raised an important point regarding the immersion procession on Anant Chaturdashi. Due to a lunar eclipse the following day, he recommended that immersion processions be completed before 12 noon.

“To ensure timely completion of religious rituals and avoid spillover into the next day, processions should begin by 8:30 AM instead of the usual 10:30 AM,” he suggested.