Kolhapur : With Ganeshotsav starting, Kolhapur has slipped into celebration mode. Markets are glowing with lights, idol shops are crowded with devotees and homes are busy giving finishing touches to elaborate settings for Bappa’s arrival.
The Kolhapur Municipal Corporation has begun installing artificial immersion ponds at 24 locations for Tuesday’s immersions, 117 locations for immersions on Sept 19 and 12 locations for Anant Chaturdashi on Sept 25. Idol makers, too, reported brisk business as families collected Shadu clay idols and made last-minute purchases. Adding a social dimension to the festivities, the Janswasthya Dakshata Samiti is set to submit a petition signed by nearly one lakh students seeking a ban on high-decibel sound systems during the festival. You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Kolhapur | Silver Rate in Kolhapur | Bank Holidays in Kolhapur | Public Holidays in Kolhapur Stay updated with the latest Kolhapur news.
I bought wooden lattice fences woven with artificial vine leaves along with several other decorations,” she said. The festive heartbeat is strongest around Papachi Ticket, where shops are overflowing with colourful makhars, decorative backdrops, peacock motifs, glittering fabrics, LED lights and ornate seating arrangements for Lord Ganesha. From glowing flower strings and crystal-style lamps to artificial vines and nature-themed décor, shoppers are spoilt for choice this year. Led by her eight-year-old daughter Sanvi, homemaker Sneha admitted that the dazzling range of decorations has brought out the family’s creativity. “This time there are many varieties of decorative items. We have decided to create a nature theme around Bappa’s seating. Shops displaying decorative fabrics, illuminated garlands and festive accessories remained packed through the day. Women thronged markets for Gauri and Shankar idols and accessories required for traditional rituals, adding to the festive rush. The celebrations were not confined to markets alone. Across the city, families were busy preparing their aras and miniature displays, a cherished Kolhapur tradition where scenes are recreated with creativity and painstaking detail around the Ganesh idol. Even as homes prepared to welcome Bappa, civic authorities were gearing up for an eco-friendly farewell. The city continues its long-standing tradition of avoiding immersion in rivers and lakes to prevent pollution. Meanwhile, traffic regulation has been tightened in busy areas such as Shahupuri, where thousands of devotees arrive to take home their idols. Download the TOI App.