The Navagraha Mitra Mandal is defined by a packed calendar throughout the year. (Express Photo by Arul Horizon)When the Navagraha Mitra Mandal in Pune’s Kasba Peth was set up in 1949, it was infused with the sense of purpose and meaning that was prevalent across the newly Independent country as it shook off its colonial yoke and forged a new destiny. “The original cause of the Ganeshotsav was to bring people together and achieve something for society,” says Aniket Mundada, a software engineer and member of the Navagraha Mitra Mandal.Unlike most mandals, the Navagraha Mitra Mandal is defined by a packed calendar throughout the year as members carry out blood donation camps and events to support the widows and children of martyrs, among other social activities. During Ganeshotsav, the mandal was famous for presenting various kinds of historical and spiritual plays and showcasing models of ancient temples, such as Kedarnath Temple, Jagannath Temple, and a 72-foot Eiffel Tower. It was, ironically, during Ganeshotsav that the Mandal’s social activities took a backseat as it celebrated Maharashtra’s biggest festival.“We are located in front of Shaniwarwada, on the path to Kasba Ganpati, so the Navagraha Mitra Mandal records 15-18 lakh footfall in the 10 days of Ganeshotsav. During Ganeshotsav, we do very small and minimal activities because of the footfall. There is not enough space for anything else,” says Mundada.All the while, the Mandal was aware that the nature of Ganeshotsav in Pune was undergoing a shift from a spiritual and cultural ceremony to a commercial and materialistic event. Where, once, it was the families that lived nearby who used to come together to carry out all the activities, such as building the pandal, making the decorations and ensuring that the aarti took place on time, Ganeshotsav organisation has now become outsourced. Vendors take charge of setting up the mandal and décor, and other activities. Karyakartas come over for the rituals and other events.“We looked at the current situation and asked ourselves, ‘What are we giving back to society?’ We celebrate for 10 days and people come and enjoy, but we should have some answer for how we helped society,” says Mundada.In search of an answer, the Navagraha Mitra Mandal came up with a unique concept last year.On a visit to the mandal, one comes across posters for ‘Vahi Pen Bappachya Charani Daan Upkarm’. Books decorate the seat from which Ganpati blesses the devotees. “We have started asking devotees to offer a notebook and a pen when they are coming to visit our mandal instead of bringing pede, flowers and coconut. The huge quantity of coconut, flowers and sweets that we receive has to be distributed again to others. Instead, if people can come up with a notebook and a pen or any other kind of educational material, the Mandal matches that. If we receive 1,000 books as offerings, we will contribute 1,000 notebooks from our side. These will be given to students in need,” says Mundada.Story continues below this adThe stationery is donated, not within the city where such things are readily available, but in the outskirts of Pune, such as Bhor and Bhimashankar, where one can find many Adivasi schools, and extreme corners of Pune district where these resources are scarce. “Last year, we collected educational material, such as erasers, notepads, school bags and writing pads, for around 300 students,” says Mundada. This year, they expect to triple the number.Devotees have taken to the concept with gusto, proving that a purpose can change even tradition. Mundada says that they received 350 notebooks on the first day of Ganeshotsav. “I have seen lots of people coming with traditional offerings. When they see the poster asking for pens and books, they tell us, ‘We didn’t know about it. I will come back and give a book and a pen.’ They visit a nearby store and bring stationery. Those who cannot do this want to donate funds. Such donations are also accepted from people,” he says. “We cannot change things overnight because Ganeshotsav has turned into an event over decades,” he adds.But the Navagraha Mitra Mandal has taken the first step and is moving in the right direction.Dipanita Nath is interested in the climate crisis and sustainability. She has written extensively on social trends, heritage, theatre and startups. She has worked with major news organizations such as Hindustan Times, The Times of India and Mint. ... Read MoreClick here to join Express Pune WhatsApp channel and get a curated list of our stories© The Indian Express Pvt Ltd