Pune: Sarasbaug, Talyatla Ganpati Temple to Remain Closed on May 28-29; Residents Question Move

Pune, 27th May 2026: Pune’s iconic Sarasbaug Garden and the famed Talyatla Ganpati Temple will remain completely closed for the next two days following a decision by Pune Police, triggering widespread discussion and criticism among residents.

According to the administration, citizens will not be allowed entry to the garden on May 28 and 29. The sudden decision, announced during the peak summer vacation period and just ahead of the weekend, has raised questions among Punekars over the exact reasons behind the closure.

Residents have strongly opposed the move, arguing that regular maintenance work is routinely carried out by the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and that shutting the entire garden for two days is unjustified.

Mayor Manjusha Nagpure said Sarasbaug has been closed for security reasons. Initially, the mayor had stated that the temple would remain shut for repair work. However, shortly afterwards, it was clarified that the closure was ordered following instructions issued by the Deputy Commissioner of Police due to security concerns.

The administration’s changing explanations and the resulting confusion have further fuelled public criticism.

Nagpure later clarified that the decision to close the temple for two days was taken entirely by the police and that she had only informed citizens about it in her capacity as mayor. She admitted that her social media team had mistakenly posted that the temple was closed for renovation work before correcting the error.

“As per the information shared by the police, the temple will remain closed on May 28 and 29. There is no connection between Bakri Eid and the closure of the temple. The police may have received certain inputs and taken the decision to maintain law and order,” Nagpure said.