35,000 Women Perform Atharvashirsha Recitation and Mahaaarti at Dagdusheth Ganpati in Pune
Pune, 28th August 2025: In a powerful display of devotion and unity, nearly 35,000 women gathered at the Shrimant Dagdusheth Halwai Ganapati Mandal on Thursday early morning to recite the Atharvashirsha and perform the Mahaaarti on the occasion of Rishi Panchami.
Chanting “Om Gan Ganapataye Namah” and “Morya, Morya,” the women created a spiritually charged atmosphere as they bowed before Lord Ganesha. The ceremony, now in its 40th year, was organised by the Shrimant Dagdusheth Halwai Sarvajanik Ganapati Trust in association with Suvarnayug Tarun Mandal, marking the 133rd year of the trust’s Ganeshotsav celebrations.
Despite overnight rain, women began arriving from 2 am, dressed in traditional attire. The event commenced with the blowing of conch shells, followed by renditions of Ganesh Geeta, Omkar Jap, and devotional songs including “Gajanana Gajanana Mangalmurti Gajanana.” The collective recitation of the Atharvashirsha filled the stretch from the Utsav Mandap to Nana Wada with chants of “Morya Morya Dagdusheth Morya,” as thousands of devotees raised their hands in devotion and clapped in unison.
The ceremony concluded with a grand Mahaaarti, immersing the entire gathering in an atmosphere of faith and celebration.
Several dignitaries attended the event, including MP Sunetra Pawar, Pune Division Charity Joint Commissioner Rajni Kshirsagar, Judge Kiran Kshirsagar, Prasenjit Fadnavis, Trust President Sunil Rasne, Treasurer Mahesh Suryavanshi, Rajabhau Chavan, Shubhangi Bhalerao, Archana Bhalerao, Suvarnayug Tarun Mandal President Prakash Chavan, Yatish Rasne, Saurabh Raikar, Mangesh Suryavanshi, Tushar Raikar, and Ankush Rasne.
Speaking on the occasion, MP Sunetra Pawar said, “Women from not only Maharashtra but also across India have joined this grand initiative. With the blessings of Bappa, I pray that this year brings health, progress and prosperity to all.”
Prof. Gauri Kulkarni and Archana Bhalerao anchored the program.
‘दगडूशेठ’ गणपतीसमोर ३५ हजार महिलांचे अथर्वशीर्ष पठण व महाआरती
Foreign Participation Adds Global Touch
Highlighting the global appeal of Pune’s Ganeshotsav, Italian actress Anna Mara attended the event and participated in the Atharvashirsha recitation. Organisers said her presence reflected the worldwide recognition of the Dagdusheth Halwai Ganapati festival.
