The Spirit of Ganpati Utsav: From Grand Pandals to Unique Collections of Thousands of Idols

The Spirit of Ganpati Utsav: From Grand Pandals to Unique Collections of Thousands of Idols

The 2026 Ganesh Mahotsav has commenced across the country. Crowds of devotees are flocking for a glimpse of ‘Bappa’ at iconic locations ranging from Mumbai’s famous Lalbaugcha Raja to the Siddhivinayak Temple. Pandals feature diverse themes—some inspired by Lord Shiva, while others offer glimpses of Tirupati Balaji and the Golden Temple. In Jamnagar, a unique collection of over 3,000 Ganesh idols at a devotee’s home has become a major attraction. Meanwhile, sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik has conveyed a message of an eco-friendly celebration by creating a magnificent ‘Panchmukhi’ (five-faced) Ganesh idol using over 30 tonnes of sand. For the next ten days, the entire nation will witness this same spirit of devotion, grandeur, and festive fervor dedicated to Bappa.