Pune: Amid the buzz around Ganeshotsav in Kasba Peth, Sardar Mujumdar’s wada, among the oldest in the city, holds on to a Peshwa-era celebration that starts on pratipada, the first lunar day in the month of Bhadrapad.On Sunday, an elderly woman sitting outside its massive teak doors, said she was waiting for the doors to open, so that she could join the kirtan and take darshan of Bappa. Within minutes, more people gathered, among them elderly citizens, parents with their children, and a few neighbours who have attended the wada’s Ganeshotsav since they were young. This Ganeshotsav is a tradition with roots in 1714, celebrating its 312th year this time, following the Peshwa-era rituals by keeping it simple.Anupama Mujumdar, grand daughter-in-law of Abasaheb Mujumdar, said they have carried the tradition for more than 10 generations. Abasaheb was a celebrated patron of classical music, a collector of instruments, and a preserver of Maratha heritage. His ancestor Naro Neelkanth Mujumdar was a noble during the Peshwa era.She said Sardar Mujumdar found the Narmada Ganapati in Karha river, and brought the idol to the wada. Since then, the family has welcomed Bappa with the same devotion every year. “We celebrate Ganapati most traditionally. Our celebrations begin on pratipada, and end on panchami. This year, tritya and chaturthi fall on the same day, so we started the festival on Sept 12 and will finish on Sept 15. We have an aarti at 9am, followed by kirtan from 5pm to 7pm. All are welcome to attend and have our Bappa’s favourite, puran modak,” Anupama added.The wada, currently houses six people, five from other places in the state, who are in Pune to pursue their studies. One of them said, “Earlier, there used to be more to this place, but with time, the road around Shaniwarwada was widened, so gradually a lot of the wada’s property had to be given up. There used to be seven chowks, now there are just three.”It has 23 rooms, but the residents keep out of the third floor, fearing further wear and tear. “Recently, a part of the wada collapsed, and we had to shut off access to it. It is difficult to ensure that something this old is preserved and stands for posterity. Anupama kaku does her bit, and we try to help her,” the resident student added.Kirtankar Vasudeo Buva Burse, who performed on Sunday, said he was grateful to have an audience and a space where his forte is appreciated. “I was five when my father first bought me here. It was the same for him when my grandfather brought him here. We have devoted our time to music, and to the ones who value it,” he added. Burse, who is not for DJs and Dolby systems, said Mujumdarwada has a peaceful way to celebrate the festival.Neighbour Tushar Dhere came with nostalgia. “I spent my childhood here. We had a wada on the adjoining side, but we couldn’t hold on to it. Every year, I attend this Ganeshotsav and remember the time and the familiar surroundings I grew up in.” He recalled the kirtan sessions he attended. “I have heard masters of their craft too. Pandit Ravi Shankar, Shivkumar Sharma and many more performed here,” he said.Ganeshotsav in Mujumdarwada has changed. With time, Anupama said, their public feast for everyone had to be curtailed. On whether the festival will have the same appeal, she said. “I have a daughter, I have family who will ensure this carries on, and even if there is none, Bappa will take care of it.”
