Mumbai is known for its lavish Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations. But this time, other states are not far behind, with Ganapati Bappa coming in various creative and fun avatars. Like theme pujas are popular in West Bengal during Durga Puja, creativity and art are also reflected during Ganesh Chaturthi in several Indian cities. Bappa arrived at one place with an important message about climate change, while somewhere else, he was Bal Ganesha, who is friends with Chhota Bheem! Thanks to Instagram, My Kolkata brings to you some awesome reels giving us glimpses of some creative and themed Ganesh Pujas.
Ganesha in Varanasi
Ganesha, this year, landed on the holy ghats of Varanasi bearing an important message. @paulchaladka from Mumbai created a set depicting Varanasi and its concern about water pollution. The artist has made the set using eco-friendly materials and it took him two months to complete it. The set looks realistic and beautiful, sending out a message as to why it should be kept clean. This theme has taken over Instagram and the artist has also received appreciation nationwide for his thoughtful creation.
Bappa of Mumbai
Mumbai comes to a standstill for 10 days during Ganesh Chaturthi. Every nook and corner of the city celebrates this festival with grandeur and pomp. Lord Ganesha is welcomed into homes and pampered with delicious food. Portraying the pure love and emotion of the devotees for Lord Ganesha, Parag Sawant created a set-up where Ganapati Bappa sits in a bustling neighbourhood of Mumbai. Instagrammer @hitesh_khache has shot a reel with the song Mumbai Meri Jaan adding the perfect mood to the festivities.
Lord Ganesha is a cricket fan
This time, stepping away from Mumbai and Pune, Maharashtra’s Pusad has created a wonder. As a tribute to our Men in Blue's T20 World Cup victory, @_shivba_ganesh_mandal dressed Lord Ganesha as an Indian cricketer. While Gajraj sat on a throne, the cutouts and statues of Indian cricketers gathered around him to celebrate. This theme created a buzz in the city and people from all over the state visited to get a glimpse of the set. There are several reels of this unique theme on Instagram. Go check out how sports, creativity and spirituality came together.
Ganesh Chaturthi in Gokuldham
Tarak Mehta Ka Oolta Chasma is the first sitcom for many Gen Z kids. As time passed by we became a part of the Gokuldham Society! We lived every special occasion and festival with the characters. This Indian sitcom has been airing since 2008, successfully tiding over the challenges of the OTT era. To show love to this fun show, @nilkanthindians in Bharuch, Gujarat, created the set of the show depicting Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations and little figurines of the characters. Check out the reel and spot your favourite character!
Kolkata never lags in creativity
Durga Puja is 24 days away, and puja committees are gradually revealing their themes for the year. But this time for the trailer, we spotted several Ganesh Puja themes in Kolkata too. Check out this reel by @iamamishi_ from Baranagar. The Ganesh Puja pandal had a cute Bal Ganesha sitting on the shoulder of Shiva. The pandal was creatively done and attracted a lot of footfall.