The grand and historic Maskarya (Hadapkya) Traditional Ganpati will arrive on September 9, 2025, with the installation ceremony scheduled for September 10, 2025.
This unique celebration traces its origins back to 1787, when Shreemant Raje Khandoji Maharaj Bhosale (popularly known as Chimnabapu) introduced the Maskarya Ganpati tradition. The historic background reveals that Khandoji Maharaj, known for his valor and fight against injustice, was returning victorious from the Bengal campaign when the family deity’s Ganpati idol was immersed. To commemorate this victory, he established the Maskarya Ganpati idol and organized cultural performances such as nakal (comic skits) and khadi gammat (folk entertainments). This marked the beginning of a joyous public celebration.
Years later, Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak drew inspiration from this foresight of Maharaj. While leading the freedom struggle against oppression, Tilak transformed the family-based Ganpati celebration into a large-scale public festival.
The tradition of celebrating Maskarya (Hadapkya) Ganpati during Pitru Paksha, started by Shreemant Khandoji Maharaj, continues to this day under the guidance and management of Shreemant Raje Mudhoji Maharaj Bhosale through the Maharaja of Nagpur Trust. This year, the festival marks a glorious 238 years. Historically, an idol measuring 18 hands (approximately 21 feet) was installed by Khandoji Maharaj. Continuing that legacy, a special 18-hand (7-foot-tall) idol of Lord Ganesh will be installed this year. This Ganpati is widely revered as a deity who fulfills vows, with countless devotees experiencing its divine blessings even today.
The grand arrival procession of the idol will be held on September 9, 2025, at 6:00 PM, starting from C.P. & Berar College, Tulshibagh, and will pass through Junior Bhosla Palace, Raje Pratapsingh Bhosale Chowk (Sutika Gruh), Kotwali Police Station Chowk, Narsingh Talkies Chowk, Senior Bhosla Palace, before culminating at the installation site.
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