The Grand Temple of Ganesha at Sangli is a symbol of worship for devotees of Lord Ganesha throughout India.

This Temple was built from pink Rajasthan sand stone by the King His Highness Patwardhan Raje of the then Sangli state ( before merger into India). People of entire southern maharashtra believe in Lord Ganesha of Sangli & begin any new task, be it marriage or purchase of new vehicle, Flat or a Bungalow only after worshipping this idol of Lord Ganesha .

         Lord Ganesha being the deity of Sangli, Ganesha Festival is the greatest Festival in Sangli & nearby region. During this festival popularly known as Ganesh Utsav thousands of Sanglietes purchase idols of Lord Ganesha & bring them home after offering prayers at Grand Ganesha temple. These idols are worshipped at home for 8-10 days & then they are offered to the holy river Krishna near the Irwin Bridge.

         During this period of 8-10 days thousands of Ganesha Mandals come up in Sangli, Miraj & nearby areas. These mandals which are group of people who collect contributions from the people of the city & build up large & small decorative stages all across the city. These are called as Dekhavas is marathi. The entire streets of the city are decorated with lightings. These Mandals spend crores of rupees for Decorations which are worth watching. During the First day & the day of immersion of these idols there are huge processions throughout the city by various mandals shouting the slogans ‘Ganpati Bapa Morya’. People from the city & nearby towns, districts flock come to see the Decorations which last throughout the night for 8-10 days.