35,000 Women Unite for Atharvashirsha Pathan in Pune Ceremony

In a vibrant display of devotion, approximately 35,000 women gathered at the Shrimant Dagdusheth Halwai Ganapati Trust’s pandal in Pune at dawn on March 15, 2024, to participate in the Atharvashirsha Pathan. This annual event, dedicated to Ganapati Bappa, has become a cherished tradition in the region, attracting women from across Maharashtra.

Yashasvini Ghodke, a 21-year-old participant clad in a pink kathpadar sari, expressed her gratitude to the deity after her mother received a negative diagnosis for breast cancer. “Attending this programme makes me feel content. My soul feels the vibration of each mantra, and I feel more connected to Bappa,” she shared.

Community and Organization

The event commenced around 6:00 AM, with participants chanting the sacred hymn Atharvashirsha in unison. Organizers had meticulously prepared for the occasion, with a team of 150 women planning the logistics and ensuring safety through the deployment of 500 volunteers and police personnel. “Preparations began two months in advance for this day. A team of around 150 women decided the sequence of events and arranged for participants to sit in organized rows,” stated Mahesh Suryavanshi, treasurer of the trust.

He emphasized the event’s significance in celebrating nari shakti (women’s empowerment), noting that it has been held for over 40 years. This year, despite early morning showers, women flocked to the pandal, eager to complete the ritual and seek blessings for personal challenges.

Personal Stories and Global Participation

Among the attendees was Sneha Vijaykare, a 24-year-old IT professional who reflected on her past struggles, stating, “Last year, I was struggling at my workplace but unable to understand the reason. I had come to Bappa for guidance. Chanting the stotra gave me a newfound sense of clarity.”

As the event concluded, many women took the opportunity to capture memories, standing in groups for selfies. Deepika Jadhav, a homemaker attending for the first time, remarked, “Taking part in the Atharvashirsha Pathan was very wholesome. I felt happy and peaceful. It was very seamlessly organized, even though women attended in thousands.”

Regular participant Namrata Gupte highlighted the joy of attending with friends: “It is an even better experience with my best friends. We laugh, have fun, and make the most of the day.”

The event also attracted international attention, including Anna Maraniello from Genoa, Italy. Currently working on a documentary about Ganeshotsav, she expressed her gratitude for the experience. “I felt like part of the community despite not being Indian. The purpose of our documentary is to spread this festival all over the world,” she explained. The project also involves collaboration with the Maharashtra state government’s higher technical education, cultural, and tourism departments.

The Atharvashirsha Pathan not only reflects the deep cultural roots of Maharashtra but also showcases the power of community and shared spirituality among women, transcending boundaries and connecting individuals through faith and tradition.