Relics from the Abasaheb Mujumdar museum in the second floor of the wada
This Ganeshotsav is a tradition with roots in 1714, celebrating its 312th year this time, following the Peshwa-era rituals by keeping it simple. Anupama Mujumdar, grand daughter-in-law of Abasaheb Mujumdar, said they have carried the tradition for more than 10 generations. This year, tritya and chaturthi fall on the same day, so we started the festival on Sept 12 and will finish on Sept 15.
Vasudev Buva Burse, a kirtankar who performed for the festival Vasudev Buva Burse, a kirtankar who performed for the festival On Sunday, an elderly woman sitting outside its massive teak doors, said she was waiting for the doors to open, so that she could join the kirtan and take darshan of Bappa.
She said Sardar Mujumdar found the Narmada Ganapati in Karha river, and brought the idol to the wada. Burse, who is not for DJs and Dolby systems, said Mujumdarwada has a peaceful way to celebrate the festival. With time, Anupama said, their public feast for everyone had to be curtailed. On whether the festival will have the same appeal, she said. “I have a daughter, I have family who will ensure this carries on, and even if there is none, Bappa will take care of it.”
Within minutes, more people gathered, among them elderly citizens, parents with their children, and a few neighbours who have attended the wada’s Ganeshotsav since they were young. Abasaheb was a celebrated patron of classical music, a collector of instruments, and a preserver of Maratha heritage. His ancestor Naro Neelkanth Mujumdar was a noble during the Peshwa era. “We celebrate Ganapati most traditionally. Our celebrations begin on pratipada, and end on panchami. We have an aarti at 9am, followed by kirtan from 5pm to 7pm. All are welcome to attend and have our Bappa’s favourite, puran modak,” Anupama added. “I was five when my father first bought me here. It was the same for him when my grandfather brought him here. We have devoted our time to music, and to the ones who value it,” he added. Ganeshotsav in Mujumdarwada has changed.
Since then, the family has welcomed Bappa with the same devotion every year. Kirtankar Vasudeo Buva Burse, who performed on Sunday, said he was grateful to have an audience and a space where his forte is appreciated.