Manache Ganapati, modak enrich heritage walk experience this Ganeshotsav

Pune: Tour guides are curating experiences that go beyond the conventional pandal hopping this Ganeshotsav to showcase Pune's multifaceted festival, its culinary delights, architectural marvels, and historical narratives.
Jayesh Paranjape, founder of The Western Routes, said they talk about the five revered Ganapati located in the core city areas during their walks.
Paranjape said, "We start from Shaniwarwada, go to Kasba Ganapati and proceed to Tambi Jogeshwari, Guruji Talim, Tulshibaug and Kesari Wada. We take our participants to Poona Guest House and introduce them to ukadiche modak as a quintessential part of Ganeshotsav celebrations. It is a big hit among non-Maharashtrian participants since this delicacy is not made in their homes. We don't limit it to one piece per person, they are free to ask for more. We also pour ghee on the modak and show them the right way to enjoy the festive treat. We also serve batata wada and chutney along with the modak."
Aundh resident Sakshi Wakhende often joins heritage walks during Ganeshotsav. "The walks let me learn about my city in depth. I don't mind the crowd as it adds to the excitement of the festival."
Supriya Mahabaleshwarkar, co-convener of Indian National Trust for Act and Cultural Heritage, Pune, said they start their walks at Kasba Ganapati and end at Mahatma Phule Mandai. They cover the cultural, mythological, gastronomical, ideological aspects and the environmental impacts.
She said, "We find spaces that can be more eco-friendly along the same route — flex material for advertisements, use-and-throw plates and glasses in temporary food stalls give attendees a little nudge on thinking about the environment. There are pockets where Punekars are still connected with nature. Women from nearby villages come with wild vegetables which are cooked in this season. During the walk near Mandai, we find many treasures of biodiversity that are cherished and appreciated. Some mandals like the Twashta Kasar Ganesh installation this year have tableaus on wildlife and environment."
Among the diverse participants are tourists with relatives and friends in Pune eager to experience the city through Ganeshotsav. Anurag Vaidya, a history scholar who is associated with Trishunda Ganapati, said they take attendees to lesser-known areas that are equally important to Ganeshotsav's history.
He said, "We take them to Sarasbaug, Sadashiv Peth, Kasba Peth, Somwar Peth, Shaniwarwada, Shaniwar Peth, Narayan Peth, Sarasbaug, Parvati and Pataleshwar Caves. We also cover important temples including Trishunda, Nageshwar, Mati Ganapati, Modi Ganapati and Tulshibaug Ram Mandir because attendees should understand the history and cultural significance of these temples besides the pandals."
If tour guides are redefining the Ganeshotsav experience by showing participants the city's rich history, vibrant culture, and delectable cuisine, people who join the walk are enthralled.
"As a person who is new to the city, I am excited about the rich history and culture that surrounds Ganeshotsav. During the heritage walk, I realised that Ganeshotsav is not only a religious festival but a symbol of rebellion against the British govt during our fight for independence. I felt these emotions when I was walking through the lanes of old Pune, the vibrant dol tasha and colourful dekhawe which were a testament of bringing communities together," Madhuparna Choudhury, a softs skills trainer working in a NGO in Shivajinagar, said.