Over 35k women come together to recite ‘atharvashirsha’ at dawn

Pune: The second day of Ganeshotsav witnessed a remarkable display of feminine energy. Over 35,000 women from all walks of life gathered at Shreemant Dagdusheth Halwai Ganapati Temple to recite the sacred atharvashirsha in a harmonious chorus at the break of dawn.“This programme started in 1987 and has attracted several participants over 37 years. It is a spectacular demonstration of 'nari shakti' (women power) on the occasion of Rushi Panchami,” said Mahesh Suryawanshi, treasurer of Shreemant Dagdusheth Halwai Ganapati Trust.Women began gathering at the venue as early as 3am and transformed the thoroughfare into a sea of sarees and smiles.Devotees were seen dressed in their festive best, with many donning the traditional nauvari saree. They were adorned with the quintessential nath (nose ring), necklaces, and flowers in their hair, embodying Maharashtra's rich cultural heritage.“All women in my family, including my mother, grandmothers, aunts, cousins, and nieces, participate in this tradition. There are 17 members in our group, from my 12-year-old niece to my 87-year-old grandmother,” said Charita Shinde, a Kothrud resident.Asmita Parikar, a 31-year-old resident of Sadashiv Peth, said, “I've come here with my neighbours. All the ladies from our building participate in this ritual every year. We have been dressing up since 2am.”Shaila Jadhav, a 60-year-old resident of Katraj, who came with her three daughters and two daughters-in-law, said, “We wear new sarees for this aarti every year. We barely sleep for two to three hours before coming to the event.”Arpita Deshpande, a fashion technology student who attended the event with her college friends, said, “We had bought ready-to-wear nauvari sarees for a performance in college. So, we decided to wear it for this programme to show our heritage wear.”At 6am, when the Mahaaarti started, the stretch was packed with women all the way up to Lal Mahal. Marathi writer Aruna Dhere, addressing the devotees gathered at the venue, said the ritual is intended to bring a sense of purity into Ganeshotsav and how one must not forget “buddhi ki shakti” (the strength of the mind) in trying times.While the event wrapped up at 6.45am, it took almost two hours for the street to clear. “It was very crowded. Though it took a long time for people to leave, there was no pushing or shoving and everyone felt safe,” said Jui Moitra, a BPO professional who attended the event for the first time.