Organisers in Mumbai have come up with creative themes to attract pandal-hoppers.
With Ganesh Chaturthi having overtaken Mumbai with festive bonhomie, organisers in the city have come up with creative themes to attract pandal-hoppers.
While each tried to outdo each other, some truly stood out - A Ganesh pandal drew inspiration from The Jungle Book. Organisers said the reason behind the construction of such a pandal was to emphasize on the importance of environment protection.
The 21-feet tall Ganesh idol has been placed in the heart of a set up resembling a forest. Life sized models of characters from the famous book by Rudyard Kipling left children mesmerized.
"If we don't save trees then how will we live? Because of this theme, this pandal was my favourite," a 13-year-old visitor said.
A few other Ganpati mandals have been more subtle with their message but drove home the point nonetheless.
For instance, a Kung Fu Panda themed Ganesh pandal in Central Mumbai's Chembur area left many kids craving for a second visit. The beautiful panda village with its inhabitants pulling kicks and punches was designed not just to keep the kids visiting entertained but also to relay a social message - to inspire them to be more active.
"Kids are busy with computers, apps on their phones but we wanted to create a village where you can be inspired by the pandas and go for a real game that is played in the outdoors," said Jaya Shetty, Vice President of the Sahyadri Krida Mandal.
Ganesha Chaturthi is celebrated around the world as the birthday of Lord Ganesha, the destroyer of obstacles. Observed during the month of Bhadra (mid-August to mid-September), it lasts for 10 days, ending on the tenth day which is called Ananta Chaturdashi.