India, Aug. 25 -- With just days left for the Ganpati festival to begin on August 27, Pune's core areas witnessed a massive rush over the weekend as thousands flocked to markets for decorative items, flowers, lights, and other festive essentials.

Shopping hubs, including Bajirao Road, Laxmi Road, Raviwar Peth, Shivaji Road, Tilak Road, and Bohri Aali, turned into jam-packed stretches, slowing traffic to a crawl. Adding to the congestion, Ganesh mandals across the city have begun erecting grand pandals on main roads and internal lanes. While these colourful structures enhance the festive mood, they have narrowed roads and caused long delays for commuters.

Smita Kinkare, a resident of Sadashiv Peth, said, "The Ganpati festival is a matter...