Nagpur: While the ten-day Ganesh festival is over in most parts of the country, Nagpur is getting ready to welcome Maskarya (Hadpakya) Ganpati, a unique cultural celebration held during the traditional Pitrupaksha.
This celebration was started 237 years ago by Shrimant Raje Khandoji Maharaj Bhonsle (Chimnabapu) after conquering the Bengal Prant. The tradition is set to continue this year too as the Hadpakya Ganpati idol was brought with fanfare in a rally on Friday, September 20. The rally started at CP & Berar High School, Tulshibaug and then passed through Junior Bhonsla Palace, Raje Pratap Singh Bhonsle Square, Kotwali Police Station Square, Narsing Talkies Square to reach Senior Bhonsla Palace, Mahal.
The idol will be installed at Senior Bhonsla Palace on Saturday. This year’s 7 foot tall idol with 18 hands is homage to the 21 foot tall idol that used to be installed during times of Shrimant Raje Khandoji Maharaj. The festival is celebrated by Shrimant Raje Mudhoji Maharaj under the ambit of Maharaja of Nagpur Trust.
