The famous heritage site of Pune’s Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati is not a new place for Punekars. Not just in Pune but this place holds a special position across the world. But are you aware of the history of this legendary Dagdusheth Halwai? We are sure you haven’t and you’ll be surprised to know about its remarkable journey from the 18th century.

This devotional place is named after Dagdusheth Kisansheth Halwai Ji who established this deity idol pre-independence. The journey began when Kisansheth Halwai (Dagdusheth ji’s father) came to Pune from Kanpur in 1886. Kisansheth started his own sweet shop in Pune. This sweet shop is still running and is managed by Kisansheth’s 4th generation Suresh Halwai. When you’ll visit this sweet shop, we suggest you to try their Kesar pedha, Malai pedha and Jalebi as well.

Back then, Dagdusheth Ji wished to be a mud wrestler (Pailwan). Hence, he started his wrestling practice in Jagoba Taalim. Later in the 1800s he established his own Taalim. Due to his wrestling practice, he even came into contact with Lokmanya Tilak and they became friends. Lokmanya Tilak often used to visit their sweet shop.

Lokmanya Tilak urged Dagdusheth ji to establish a Ganesh idol when he started the ‘Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav’! The reason behind it was that Dagdusheth ji was quite a reputed and respected person in Pune.

But wait, there’s a more surprising story behind the first Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati idol. This ganpati idol was made with Paper Mache, but not just any ordinary paper. ‘Kesari newspaper’ was dipped in the fountain which was in front of the Taalim to make a paper mache. From this paper mache, the very first ganpati idol of Dagdusheth came into existence. Since it was the British era, Lokmanya Tilak didn’t want Kesari newspaper to fall in the hands of British officials. This is how they managed to keep the newspaper away from British officials.

This sweet shop started by Dagdusheth ji’s father still exists near Datta Mandir on Shivaji Road. It may not be huge and spacious as it used to be back in the 1800s. You’ll even get to see original photos of all members of the Halwai family. If you visit Dagdusheth Halwai sweet shop today, you must have a look at this historical legacy carried out for 100+ years.

Address: Dagdusheth Halwai Sweet Shop, 2421, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Road, Next to Datta Mandir, Budhwar Peth, Pune-02
Timing: 8am-10pm (Monday to Sunday)
Contact: 9860521605