Ganeshotsav 2026: Over 35,000 Women Recite Atharvashirsha At Pune’s Dagdusheth Ganpati On Rishi Panchami | VIDEO

Over 35,000 women convened at the Dagdusheth Ganpati festival pavilion in Pune to join in a mass recitation of the Atharvashirsha on Rishi Panchami. Organized by the Shrimant Dagdusheth Halwai Sarvajanik Ganpati Trust and Suvarnayug Tarun Mandal, the annual event drew participants dressed in traditional attire. The recitation formed part of the Trust's 134th Ganeshotsav celebrations, marking the 41st year of this unique initiative.

The ceremony unfolded in front of a replica of Prem Mandir, a major highlight of this year's festival decorations.

Despite the rain, women started showing up as early as 2 a.m. to partake in the festivities, continuing from the festival pavilion to the Nana Wada area. Over 35,000 women took part in the recitation, which commenced with the blowing of conch shells, followed by the chanting of Omkar and devotional songs like "Ganraja Gananayaka" and "Morya Re Bappa Morya Re."

The women recited the Atharvashirsha as one, praying to Lord Ganesha. The atmosphere resonated with chants of "Morya, Morya, Dagdusheth Morya," as participants raised their hands and clapped in unison.

Pune's Mayor Manjusha Nagpure, Divisional Commissioner Sheetal Teli-Ugle, Trust President Sunil Rasne, Treasurer Mahesh Suryawanshi, and various officials and volunteers attended the ceremony. Deputy Commissioner of Police, Zone 1, Krishikesh Rawale, was also present. Speaking at the event, Mayor Nagpure remarked, "A festival becomes complete only when women participate in it with enthusiasm and contribute to its preparations.

Through this programme, strength and energy have been generated for the entire city of Pune." Women traveled from distant cities like Mumbai, Satara, Kolhapur, Latur, and others to take part in the mass recitation, underscoring the crucial role women play in safeguarding religious customs and enhancing Pune's lively Ganeshotsav festivities.