Tractor drivers power Pune’s Ganesh festival immersion
Summary and headline written by AI from the source article. How we work
In Pune, India, tractor drivers from surrounding regions volunteer their time and vehicles to carry massive Ganesh idols during the annual Ganesh Visarjan procession.
These drivers, ranging in age from young volunteers to an 80-year-old veteran, coordinate with local mandals, community groups, to navigate crowded city streets like Tilak Road. They don’t accept payment for their work, instead motivated by personal devotion to the festival.
Drivers secure permission from mandal organisers and the police to operate on Tilak Road, as without it they are not permitted to participate. They transport the idols using portable generators, often working continuously for 15 to 30 or more hours, managing both the vehicle and the surrounding crowds. The drivers adapt to unpredictable timelines, eating and sleeping near the mandals or at nearby hotels while ensuring the procession continues smoothly.
This year, an increase in the number of mandals presents a challenge, potentially lengthening the procession and creating congestion. Organisers and police work alongside the drivers, negotiating and cooperating to maintain law and order and keep the flow of the procession moving. Saurabh Bhosale of the Shivraj Mitra Mandal explained that permissions for the drivers are renewed automatically each year, enabling them to continue their essential role in the event.
