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The Ganesh temple at Sangli is a
famous temple built from pink
Rajasthan sand
stone by the king of the then Sangli state, Patwardhan Raje. The people of
Maharashtra have great belief in this idol of Lord
Ganesh and begin any new task only after taking the blessings of the Lord.
Ganesha festival, popularly known as the "Ganesh Utsav" is the
greatest festival in Sangli and the nearby region. Devotees purchase idols
of Lord Ganesh and take it to the Ganesh temple to offer prayers. After
offering prayers at the temple they take these idols home and worship for
8 to 10 days and then these idols are immersed in the holy water of the
river Krishna near the Irwin Bridge.
During this period of 8-10 days the entire streets of the
city are decorated with lightings. Thousands of Ganesha Mandals come up in
Sangli, Miraj and nearby areas. Mandals are group of people who collect
contributions to build up large and small decorative stages called as "Dekhavas",
all across the city. 
Crores of rupees are spent on decorations, which are worth watching.
During the first day and the day of immersion of the idols there are huge
processions throughout the city by various Mandals shouting the slogans
'Ganpati Bapa Morya'. People from the city and nearby towns, districts
flock to see the Ganesh festival celebrations, which last for 8-10 days.
Sangli is well connected by rail and road with the important places within and beyond the state.
Accommodation is available at the hotels in Sangli.
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