Bollywood actress Raveena Tandon recently visited the Shrimant Bhausaheb Rangari Ganpati Mandal in Pune to offer prayers during the Ganeshotsav festival. During her visit, she participated in the 'Mahaarti,' playing the manjira and swaying to devotional tunes. Tandon also took the opportunity to pray for the safety and well-being of all citizens, including those affected by the recent floods in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Jammu and Kashmir, and Punjab.

The Shrimant Bhausaheb Rangari Ganpati Mandal holds a significant place in history as the first public Ganesh Mandal in India. It was established in 1892 by Bhausaheb Rangari, also known as Bhausaheb Lakshman Jawle, a royal physician and freedom fighter. The Mandal marked its 132nd year in 2025.

Tandon shared her experience with the media, expressing her gratitude for the opportunity to visit the historic Mandal and learn about its origins. She remarked that she had prayed for the safety of all living beings in the country. She also expressed her concern over the recent floods and cloudbursts in several states, appealing to all Ganesh Pandals to extend help to those in need.

Tandon emphasized the importance of remembering our roots and traditions, stating that it is crucial to educate future generations about the history of Ganesh Utsav. She expressed that her "eyes were opened" after visiting the Mandal's museum and learning about the festival's origins.

The Shrimant Bhausaheb Rangari Ganpati Mandal was founded during a time of British colonial rule, when India was actively striving for independence. Bhausaheb Rangari, along with compatriots like Ganpatrao Ghotwadekar and Krishnaji Khasgiwale, used his "wada" (a traditional large house) to organize secret meetings and plan efforts to remove the British from India. In 1892, Rangari's friend, Sardar Krishnaji Kashinath alias Nanasaheb Khasgiwale, witnessed the public celebration of Ganeshotsav in Gwalior and recognized its potential to bring about social unity. He shared this idea with Bhausaheb Rangari, leading to the establishment of the first public Ganesh Mandal in Pune.

The Ganesh idol at the Shrimant Bhausaheb Rangari Trust reflects the political views of Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Bhausaheb Rangari during the late 19th century. The idol holds a trishul (trident) and an arrow, piercing the throat of a demon, symbolizing the British oppressors. This powerful symbolism fueled the proliferation of Ganesh Mandals across Pune, uniting people and inspiring a mass movement for India's independence.

The idol, made of wood and bran, has remained unchanged since its installation. The idol depicts Ganesha killing a demon, which symbolizes the victory of good over evil and Bhausaheb's dream of freedom.