Puja, pandals and more: Maha celebrations in store as Lord Ganesh comes to the town

New Delhi: A melting pot of cultures, Delhi is about to experience a slice of Maharashtra as Ganesh Chaturthi festivities kick off on Saturday. Preparations for elaborate pandals and pujas are under way throughout the city and from millet laddoos to eco-friendly immersions, there is a lot to look forward to.At Laxmi Nagar's Bank Enclave, this year's Ganesh Mahotsav pandal is set to showcase the theme of ‘Developed India 2047.' The highlight of this year's festival will be a striking model of the Vande Bharat train, symbolising the country's progress. The event at the DDA mini cricket stadium from Sept 7 to 11 will also address issues like development, education, health and the Fit India movement.Mahendra Ladda, founder-president of Shri Ganesh Seva Mandal, organiser of the Laxmi Nagar celebrations now in its 23rd year, said, "We strive to convey a significant message every year. Last year, our theme focused on Chandrayaan and the G20 Summit. This year's theme is a representation of progress."The festivities will kick off with a grand procession and the installation of the main idol on the first day. The conclusion will have offerings of 56 food items, a grand aarti and the immersion of the idol. "Each evening, we will have devotional singing and cultural programmes," said Ladda. "To promote healthy eating, we will offer Lord Ganesh modak made of millets. The pandal's entrance will depict Maharashtra's Ashtavinayak." In addition, to encourage a healthy lifestyle, free health check-ups, blood donation drives and mammography tests have been organised.The city will host Lalbaugcha Raja, or Lal Bagh Ka Raja, at a new venue this year. Devotees will have the chance to see a replica of the famous Mumbai idol at Sant Nirankari Samagam Ground in Burari. "It is a massive creation, crafted in Mumbai by the same sculptors and to the same scale as the original. We expect up to two lakh visitors daily from Sept 7-16," said Anil Wadhwa, general secretary of Lal Bagh Ka Raja Trust.Wadhwa said a waterproof wooden flooring measuring 5 lakh sq ft has been installed and will accommodate 40,000 people at any time. "We will deploy 250 security personnel and 250 volunteers to ensure safety," he added. The event will feature discourses by prominent speakers, cultural programmes, musical performances and food stalls offering regional cuisine, plus a special area for children with a giant wheel.The organisers have a ‘go green' message for all. "At the rear of the venue, a pond will be created and filled with Yamuna water. The idol will be immersed and the pond will be filled in," said Wadhwa.Residents of S-Block, Greater Kailash II, are also championing eco-friendly celebrations. "We immerse the idol in a large tub. Once it dissolves, we use the water for our plants," said Sadanand Kavishwar, vice-president, Marathi Mitra Mandal. During its two-day celebration, a team from Nagpur will perform Marathi and Hindi songs. "Since September 8 is the birthday of singer Asha Bhosle, we plan to feature her Marathi songs. Besides traditional Maharashtrian cuisine, we will also serve Khirapat, a popular Maharashtrian sweet made with coconut and cardamom, as prasad," said Kavishwar.In its 27th year of Ganesh Chaturthi in Ramesh Nagar, a temple-shaped chariot pulled by devotees will transport the idol to the venue. Around 100 dhol players from Nagpur will join the festivities. "The procession will feature music and dance and wend its way around Ramesh Nagar. The event will continue for 11 days," said Deepak Bharadwaj, treasurer, Shri Gayatri Navyuvak Mandal.Maharashtra Sadan will also be illuminated during the festival period. "The idol is coming from Mumbai. We will have cultural performances by children, including a Lavani dance. We will immerse the idol in an artificial tank on the premises," said Bhagwanti Meshram, president, Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Samiti Maharashtra Sadan.Preparations are in full swing in other locations. Attractive setups include a special pandal at the Mayur Vihar temple, one at Hanuman Mandir in Connaught Place, a display at Shri Jagannath Marg in Thyagraj Nagar reflecting Odiya culture and a unique celebration at Jogiwada in Chandni Chowk.
Stay updated with the latest news on Times of India. Don't miss daily games like Crossword, Sudoku, and Mini Crossword.