With the thunderous beats of the dhol, the rhythmic sounds of lezim, and chants echoing with devotion, the grand farewell of Lord Ganesha was celebrated in a spiritually charged atmosphere by the Tilaknagar Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal.
The Ganpati Visarjan marked the conclusion of their 76th year of celebrations on September 6, leaving behind an unforgettable spiritual and cultural impression.
A legacy of culture and devotion
For the past 75 years, the Tilaknagar Mandal has been a beacon of tradition and culture in Dombivli. This year, staying true to its roots, the 76th Ganeshotsav was meticulously planned with the aim of passing on the cultural legacy to the younger generation. In a commendable move, the entire responsibility of organising and executing the festival was entrusted to the youth of the Mandal – and they rose to the occasion with unmatched enthusiasm and competence.
Heritage in decorations
A major highlight of this year’s celebrations was the grand decoration conceptualised and created by Sanjay Dhabade, a former resident of Tilaknagar, who has been crafting spectacular themes for the past 24 years. This year’s theme featured stunning replicas of the 12 forts recently included in UNESCO’s World Heritage list, displayed in a uniquely artistic manner that left visitors awestruck.
Spiritual and cultural programmes
The festival wasn`t just about grandeur – it was deeply spiritual too. The Mandal hosted a series of religious programmes, including — 1,000 recitations of the Ganapati Atharvashirsha, Vishnu Sahasranama chanting, Satyanarayan Pooja, Traditional aartis from Konkan, Bhavats (devotional performances) and the ever-popular ‘Annakoot’ – offering of 76 traditional food items
These activities received overwhelming participation from Tilaknagar residents and the wider Dombivli community, reflecting the festival`s deep emotional connection with people.
A traditional yet unique visarjan procession
Unlike many modern processions filled with loud DJs, bursting firecrackers, and towering idols, the Tilaknagar Mandal has proudly upheld its distinct identity. Their traditional Visarjan procession featured:
A beautifully decorated palanquin carrying the idol of Lord Ganesha
A traditional lezim troupe
A few dedicated dhol and halgi players from the Mandal
Residents and youth actively participating with lezim, cymbals, and saffron flags
This year, an exceptional feature of the procession was the participation of a 52-member children’s troupe. Trained by Mandal volunteers over the past two months, their synchronised and disciplined performance was the true highlight of the event. They even formed human pyramids, earning gasps of admiration from the crowd.
Despite heavy rain and poor road conditions, these young performers continued barefoot, undeterred – a testament to their dedication and faith in Bappa.
A soulful goodbye to Bappa
Before the final immersion, a collective chanting of the Atharvashirsha was held at Tai Pingale Chowk. As hundreds of voices united in rhythm and devotion, the entire atmosphere turned divine and emotionally charged. A heartfelt prayer followed, asking Lord Ganesha to bless everyone and return soon the following year. Many were moved to tears as they bid an emotional farewell to their beloved Bappa.
The youth carry the torch forward
Speaking on the occasion, Mandal President Sachin Ambekar expressed immense pride in the young volunteers who successfully shouldered the entire festival. He praised the efforts of the children’s troupe, their parents, and all the devotees who joined in the spiritual events, especially the collective Atharvashirsha recitation.
The 76th Ganeshotsav at Tilaknagar wasn’t just a celebration – it was a living expression of tradition, devotion, and community spirit, gracefully carried forward by a new generation.
