Members of Aagomoni Prabasi Sangha bring their pets to the Durga Puja pandal in Baner
Around nine to 10 pets have visited the pandal this year since festivities began. APS, which is hosting its seven-day Durga Puja Mahautsav till Oct 21 at Gyandeep Garden Mangal Karyalaya at Baner Pashan Link Road junction, has been explicitly welcoming pets since last year.
Amra Sobai Bangali Sangho (ASBS) is welcoming pets as part of its effort to recreate the atmosphere of Bengal’s ancestral Rajbaris (royal mansions), while Aagomoni Prabasi Sangha (APS) said it is accommodating visiting dogs with the help of volunteers and additional cleaning arrangements. We felt they should be included as they are family, too,” said Paramita Saha Chowdhury, an ASBS member. Pune: Curious puppies on leashes with wagging tails are joining celebratory crowds at some of the city’s Durga Puja pandals this year, as organisers make room for pets alongside rituals, food and cultural programmes. These two pandals in Pashan are taking a similar approach, but with their own reasons for making pets a part of the festivities. “We noticed that some members were leaving their pets at home when they came to the pandal. Some elderly members also wanted their pets to be part of the celebrations. The celebration features traditional rituals, cultural performances, Bengali cuisine and shopping, with lighting and décor inspired by Kolkata’s festive atmosphere. The arrangements highlight a practical consideration for pet-friendly public events as access comes with shared responsibility. Leashes, close supervision and cleaning up after pets help keep the space comfortable for devotees and other visitors. You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Pune | Silver Rate in Pune | Bank Holidays in Pune | Public Holidays in Pune | Petrol Price in Pune | Diesel Price in Pune | CNG Price in Pune | LPG Price in Pune
ASBS, celebrating its 10th edition of Durga Puja that is on till Oct 21 at the Shubhtej Mangal Karyalaya on Sus Road, has drawn inspiration from Bengal’s grand Rajbaris, where zamindar families once hosted elaborate pujo celebrations for generations. The décor recreates the atmosphere of a traditional heritage home, with history-inspired architecture, motifs and festive lighting. The organisers’ decision to welcome pets also draws on the history of these households, where dogs were part of domestic life.