Pune: Bhau Rangari Ganpati, a symbolic icon that represented India, turns 125

The Bhau Rang Ganpati celebrations took genesis in 1892 when Javale felt that there should be a common place where the revolutionaries could meet and pass on information pertaining to the Freedom struggle, without fearing the British. After holding a meeting with a few young revolutionaries at his residence, he decided to mark a 10-day Ganesh mahotsav for this purpose and made an idol of Lord Ganesha killing a demon—the demon here signifying the Britishers. The objective of the festival was that on its pretext, the revolutionaries could meet, thereby keeping the flame of Independence struggle burning.

According to Sanjeev Javale, the great grandnephew of Bhausaheb Laxman Javale, “The idol is painted every year and so far, it has not needed any repair. While people have started opting for eco-friendly idols now, my great granduncle chose to make this idol with paper pulp 125 years ago.” In 1893, Lokmanya Balgangadhar Tilak appreciated Javale’s efforts in the newspaper Kesari. The very next year, Tilak too installed a Ganesh idol.

What’s unique about Bhau Rangari Ganesh Mandal is that till date, the members have not sought vargani from the residents. “We do not decorate the temple during the celebration. We don’t use loudspeakers. Thus, we have been following my great granduncle’s eco-friendly vision from that era. The aarti is performed throughout the year, including during Ganeshotsav.”

As a part of the 125th year celebrations, the temple trust would be displaying the weapons that belonged to the revolutionaries associated with Javale who had participated in the1892 meeting.

As part of the 125th year celebrations, the temple trust would be displaying the weapons that belonged to the revolutionaries associated with Javale who had participated in the meeting. The revolutionaries included Annasaheb Patwardhan, Nanasaheb Khasgiwale, Dagduseth Halwai, Balasaheb Natu, Mama Hasabnis, Lakhuseth Dantale, Balwant Satav and Khandoba Tarawde.

Javale rues that the face of the Ganesh Festival has changed over the years and is losing its sanctity. “Ganesh Mandals play loud music and cause nuisance to residents. The mandals dig up the roads and pandals encroach on roads, causing huge traffic jams. Mandals should celebrate the festival without disturbing the residents,” he said, adding that the mandals should instead reach out to needy people.