Pune, Aug. 23 -- Maharashtra's Pune city, the birthplace of the concept of Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav (public celebrations of Ganesh festival), is set to extend the festivities to the valleys of Kashmir this year.

Seven prominent Ganesh mandals from Pune have joined hands to organise the 5-day festival in Srinagar, Anantnag and Kulgam starting from August 27 (Ganesh Chaturthi) this year

On Saturday, amidst the beats of traditional 'dhol-tasha', replicas of three revered Ganesh idols from Pune were handed over to Kashmiri mandals in an event organised at Bhausaheb Rangari Ganpati Mandal, marking the third consecutive year.

The replica of the Kesariwada Ganpati idol, Akhil Mandai Mandal, and the Shrimant Bhausaheb Rangari Ganesha Idol were h...