THE paint on the walls is peeling off. Each step up the staircase is accompanied by an ominous creak. Despite that, this large wada silently speaks volumes about its rich history. The first Ganapati idol was installed here by Balgangadhar Tilak in 1894, heralding the beginning of the sarvajanik Ganapati festival.

In the heart of the city, Sardar Vinchurkar Wada on Kumthekar Road in Sadashiv Peth is a striking contrast to its modernised surroundings. But every year its ancient precincts are visited by thousands of devotees for a hallowed site of the Ganesh idol. Acknowledging and revering its historical importance, a small group of devotees under Lokmanya Tilak Pratham Prasthapit Ganapati Trust began installing a Ganesh idol at the wada in 1992.

Trust treasurer Ravindra Pathare says, “We do not seek donations like other mandals, but contribute personally for celebration of Ganeshotsav.” Trust secretary Sheela Ghaisas adds, “We perform the puja here every year to remind people about the historical importance of the wada.”

This year, marking Tilak’s 150th birth anniversary, is particularly significant for the wada, as it is for Ganpati mandals across the city. A number of organisers are planning programmes, starting with the dissemination of his teachings to the release of booklets on his life and work.

THE Lokmanya Tilak Pratham Prasthapit Ganapati Trust will be hosting a talk on ‘Westernisation: Do We Need It?’, while the Nimbalkar Talim Ganeshotsav Mandal in Sadashiv Peth will be bringing out a a 100-page Marathi booklet on Tilak’s life.

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