Travel

Nanasaheb Priviwale of Pune witnessed the Ganpati festival in Valher, inspiring him to unite society for freedom. He introduced the concept in Pune, initially met with resistance due to the city's conservative reputation. Lokamanya Tilak convened a meeting, inviting Dagdusheth Halwai, the Nagarsheth of Pune, and Mayavars. They decided to celebrate the seven-day Ganpati festival at five city locations, with locals funding it. The response was so positive that Lokamanya Tilak urged the public to join, leading to a ten-day celebration in 1893. Dagdusheth Halwai introduced an environmentally-friendly idol, differing from traditional warrior Ganesha forms. This concept aimed to bless and protect society. Shri Naik crafted this idol, which became the symbol of the Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Trust's Ganesh Utsav. In 1968, discussions began about making a new Ganesha idol after the Amrit Mahotsav. Dr. Balasaheb Paranjpe suggested Nagesh Shalp, who was skilled in clay sculpture. After ...

Kalsubai is a 13.2 km-long round-trip trek from Bari, with an elevation gain of around 2,700 feet (820 m). This is a one-day trek having a moderately hard difficulty level, with lush green landscapes and multiple waterfalls. The peak attracts many trekkers and devotees determined to scale the mountain. To reach the summit there are well-designated trekking routes. The most popular route is through the eastern mountain face taking off from the base village Bari. The krushnavanti river, a tributary of Pravara, takes origin on its eastern slope and flows like a stream through the outer fringes of Bari. A short distance away from the stream a Hanuman temple has been built. This provides an important landmark to commence the trek as well as a resting post for those nearing the final lap of their trek. The route from behind this temple takes the hiker straight to the summit. The trek along this route is a mix of easy to ascend slopes as well as treacherous rocky outcrops overlooking the val...

The temple of Swayambhu is frequented by thousands every year. The lord Ganesha at Ganpatipule is considered to be the Paschim Dwardevata and those visiting Ganpatipule make it a point to pay their respect to this deity. The 400 year old Ganpati idol at Ganpatipule is said to have sprung up from the earth. The temple is situated right on the beach at the base of a hill and devotes and pilgrims walk around the hill (1 km pradakshina) as a mark of respect. All over the Asia continent and especially in the south and south-east Asia, there are innumerable Ganesh temples visible! Ganpatipule is one of them! The specialty of the place is with the exotic natural beauty! The huge Arabic Ocean at west! And sandy beach playing with the eternal blue-and-white waves, with abreath-taking green backdrop and extremely beautiful architecture of the new temple! The natural miracle has given a solemn and heavenly touch to the scenario! A clean rocky beach with fine silvery white sand, the Gan...