Ganeshotsav in Dehradun dates back to 1940, with Late Smt Sarayu tai Puntambekar, then working at FRI, initiating the celebration at her residence along with her family and friends.
Later on ,in 1952,the efforts taken by Shri.Madhukar Vare, Shri.Sukhtankar, Shri.Badodekar,Smt.Kunte and Smt.Dixit resulted in Ganeshotsav being celebrated on a larger scale as a community event.It was then,that the Maharashtra Samaj Sewa Samiti was established.
This tradition was carried forward by various people working in different fields and holding posts in various institutions and offices; ONGC, FRI, DRDO, Survey of India, to name a few. Prominent among them were Smt.Bagchi, Col.Jog, Dr.Mukund Joshi and Shri Jinde, who contributed in a big way.
Currently, Maharashtra Samaj Sewa Samiti is presided over by Shri.Haribhau Markale. The following is the executive body of the Samiti- Shri.Aniruddha Deshmukh (Secretary),Sau.Meenal Gandhe(Vice President), Dr. Sameer Patil( Deputy secretary),Dr.Mandar Ketkar( Treasurer), Shri.Sandeep Khanwalker ( Auditor) Shri.Amol Raut ( member), Shri.Deepak Kirdat( member)Smt. Rewati Karandikar(member), Sau.Namrata Bobde ( member), Sau.Meghana Tatwawadi (member).
It is commendable that the Maharashtrians here have been able to retain their culture and civilization for such a long period of time.
Continuing the tradition, Ganeshotsav was celebrated this year too, from 27th August 2025 to 31st August 2025 at hotel Lalit Palace, the programme being held at this venue for the very first time. Previously, it used to take place at Panchayati mandir for several years and then at Atmaram Dharamshala for some time.
Various cultural programmes were organised from 28th August to 30th August as a part of the festivities.
The very first day, the 27th of August witnessed Ganesh Sthapana, a ritual to invoke Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles and the deity of wisdom.It was followed by Aarti and offering of Prasad.
The varied solo performances of various participants,held on 28th August offered an entertaining and enriching experience.
Ha.Bha.Pa.Shri.Kailas Maharaj ji from Varakari Peeth Hrishikesh enlightened the audience through his Kirtan, which is a Yoga of devotion. This indeed had a tranformative effect inducing feelings of joy, bliss and a sense of unity with the divine.
The ladies wing of Maharashtra Samaj Sewa Samiti depicted the rich culture and heritage of Maharashtra through the festivals celebrated in the state.This included Gudhipadawa- Marathi new year,Dahi handi, Vaari the deep devotion towards Lord Vitthal and Mangalagaur – which includes Pooja of the Goddess followed by entertaining games and dances by women that take place overnight. Other major festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi, Dusshera, Diwali, Makarsankranti, Holi, Rangapanchami,etc.were portrayed through enactment, dances and songs.Last but not the least was the song presented by all the participants together, which praised the varied culture and the proud history of Maharashtra.The song left each one present there in a great awe.
The closing ceremony on 31st August began by chanting Ganapati Atharvasheersha followed by launching of Smaranika 2025 at the esteemed hands of Dr.Vijay Jogdande (I A S Uttarkhand Cadre) and Dr.Shraddha Jogdande ( Govt Doon Medical College). Thereafter, the honourable guests performed Aarti of Lord Ganesha.The esteemed guests also gave away the momentos of appreciation to all the young participants and also to those whose contribution to the programme was much valuable. The journalists who stood by the Samiti throughout the programme were also honoured with the momentos.
Maharashtra Samaj Sewa Samiti secretary Shri.Aniruddha Deshmukh presented the vote of thanks and congratulated everyone for the grand success of the yearly festival celebration.No programme or a function can be successful without dedication and hard work of the members of the organisation, said Shri Deshmukh.
Ganapati idol visarjan, immersing the Ganesha idol in the waters of the river Tons , marked the closure of the 5 day long festivities. All present on the occassion bid adieu to their beloved ‘Bappa’ with mixed emotions of joy , sorrow, gratitude and hope!
