Pune's public Ganesh celebrations have expanded to Kashmir for a second year, with idols from prominent mandals in Jammu and Kashmir. Replicas of revered idols from three Pune mandals – Tambdi Jogeshwari, Guruji Talim and Tulshibaug – were gifted to organizers in Srinagar, Anantnag, and Kupwara.
Last year saw celebrations return to the valley after over three decades, with Kasba Ganapati's idol installed in Srinagar. Encouraged by its success in fostering harmony, seven leading Pune mandals collaborated to take festivities further. Representatives from the three Kashmir mandals visited Pune to receive their idol replicas.
The celebrations will run for five days this time, involving more areas. Locals are supportive of reviving the festival, seeing it as a chance to strengthen bonds. With Ganeshotsav traditionally a means to mobilize Indians, its spread to Kashmir could aid the region's peace and development.
Future plans include introducing other Hindu festivals to the valley. As Pune helped pioneer large-scale public Ganesh celebrations over a century ago, these efforts may sow similar seeds of togetherness in a sensitive environment. Ganeshotsav's message of unity and goodwill seems well-suited to Kashmir's aspirations.
