Ganesha festival is celebrated with all religious fervour in the historical town of Paoni in Bhandara district. The town, which is known as Kashi of Vidarbha, has around 350 temples. Among them, Shri Panchmukhi Ganesh Mandir, Ranzi Ganesh Mandir and Dharnidhar Ganesh Mandir are all century old temples. People in Paoni have firm belief that they must take darshan of Vighnharta before starting a new venture.

The Ganapati at Ranzi Ganesh Mandir is known for fulfilling devotees’ wishes. The temple is situated on the bank of Wainganga River. Ganesha Idol here is around 8 feet tall and is made of single stone. It’s said that this is the tallest idol of Lord Ganesha in Vidarbha. Kalikar family from Nagpur takes care of the temple and since past one decade a team of youths from Ghodeghat Ward have been celebrating the festivities in temple premises. In ancient times, there used to be bamboo forestation. The name ‘Ranzi’ has been derived from it. Devotees have faith that Ranzi Ganesha blesses the devotees and fulfill their wishes. The Ganesha is also famous for blessing the couples who are childless. If prayed with pure heart, couples are blessed with a child, it is believed. It’s also believed that the floods in Wainganga River start to recede once the water touches the Ganesha idol. In 2020, the flood water of Wainganga River had reached the temple and half of the idol was submerged under water. People visiting the town make sure to take darshan at Ranzi temple. Despite being a known place, the temple lacks drinking water facility. People have demanded the public representatives to pay heed to the problem and provide drinking water facility in the temple premises.