Immersive virtual darshan of Dagdusheth Ganpati brings hope to those in Pune hospitals

Through a Virtual Reality (VR) initiative, patients at Kamala Nehru Hospital, Mangalwar Peth, and Surya Sahyadri Hospital, Kasba Peth, experienced an immersive darshan of Shreemant Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati.

Now in its 10th year, the initiative is led by Ajjay Parge and Sanjay Parge of Digital Art VRe Private Limited. Using advanced 360° cameras, the team captured the Ganpati aarti on the first day of the festival, and recreated the experience for those unable to visit the temple.

At Kamala Nehru Hospital, around 50–60 patients were able to witness the VR darshan, including women, the elderly, physiotherapy, and post-surgery patients. For many, it was an overwhelming moment.

“This was my first time experiencing VR. For five minutes, it felt like I was standing right there with Bappa. We could see the decorations without the crowd. It was truly a blessing,” said Vandana Chavan, a hospital staff member.

Another patient, who has visited Dagdusheth Ganpati every Rushi Panchami to chant the Atharvashirsha for decades, was moved to tears. “Because of a fracture, I couldn’t go this year. But my parents said it felt as if Bappa himself came running to us,” she said.

The Parge family’s association with the Dagdusheth mandir spans more than a century. Their grandfather, Late Shri Bapusaheb Parge, Pune’s first Deputy Mayor, had set up a photo studio beside the temple in 1923. Today, the third generation continues that legacy by blending tradition with technology.

During the pandemic, the team created an Augmented Reality (AR) experience, This year, Bappa will visit your home – Stay Home, Stay Safe. It reached devotees in 60 countries, and drew appreciation from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

For patients, the reward was simpler – peace of mind. Many hoped such initiatives would be continued every year, with prasad distribution alongside the VR darshan.

This immersive offering once again proved that Bappa’s blessings can reach every heart, no matter the circumstance.

(Viraj Paranjape is an intern at The Indian Express)

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