Cultural

The BJP’s Ganesha Gambit
The BJP’s Ganesha Gambit
Pune’s Ganeshotsav has become an enormous civic and political stage, and the ruling party has proved adept at occupying it. Pune: The city’s Ganeshotsav is entering its final phase, but... Read More
Ganpati Bappa and the Movies
Ganpati Bappa and the Movies
How Mumbai’s studios and streets celebrated cinema Mumbai: Mumbai’s Ganesh Utsav has always been more than a religious celebration. For generations, it has also intersected with the city’s other great... Read More
Bappa Under Scrutiny
Bappa Under Scrutiny
As Ganeshotsav confronts concerns over idol height, noise and food safety, Maharashtra must find a balance between devotion and responsible celebration. Ganpati is perhaps Maharashtra’s most iconic festival, occupying a... Read More
Pyramids, thumkas & women power
Pyramids, thumkas & women power
Mumbai: The traditional dahi-handi celebrations – marking the birth of infant Lord Krishna – was a pacey day for Mumbai, Thane and other cities, with soaring human pyramids, beating of... Read More
The Battle for a Quieter Ganeshotsav
The Battle for a Quieter Ganeshotsav
As DJs, Dolby systems and crowded mandaps return, Pune residents are pushing back against noise and traffic during the city’s biggest festival. Pune: The majority of the city’s residents have... Read More