The coastal city of Visakhapatnam is abuzz with excitement as the annual Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations reach their peak. Traditionally, towering idols of Lord Ganesha have been the main attraction, but this year, a range of eco-friendly and themed Ganesh idols are stealing the spotlight.
Among the innovative creations is an idol made from pots at Pedajalaripeta, depicting a potter at work. Another idol draws inspiration from Visakhapatnam’s iconic landmarks, featuring a lighthouse-themed Ganesha situated in a dolphin house. The “Say No to Drugs” theme has also captured significant attention. Other notable idols include a Krishna-inspired Ganesha at Prakashraopeta and a guitar-themed idol at Pedajalaripeta, showcasing a variety of artistic expressions.
Political figures have also been featured in this year’s festivities. Supporters of the Jana Sena Party have created an idol of their leader Pawan Kalyan, expressing gratitude for the party’s recent electoral successes. Additionally, idols representing prominent political leaders, such as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, have been displayed.
However, not all themes have been well-received. A Ganesha idol modeled after characters from the popular film Pushpa has sparked controversy in Pedajalaripeta. Local residents found the portrayal disrespectful, leading to demands for its immediate immersion. The group of youth who set up the idol told Deccan Chronicle that their intention was to honor the film’s characters. Despite their admiration, criticism and police intervention forced them to immerse the idol earlier than planned.
As the Ganesh festivities enter their fifth day, beaches are bustling with devotees immersing their idols. Traffic arrangements have been made to ensure the smooth and organized immersion of the various idols.
This year, Visakhapatnam has set a record with 4,102 pandals, a significant increase from the 1,290 in 2019.
Leave a comment