Mumbai's iconic Lalbaugcha Raja idol prep underway, sculptor Santosh Kambli leads preparations
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Mint
an hour ago
- Mint
Schools to remain closed today, August 21, in UP's Gautam Buddh Nagar for Guru Dronacharya Mela
The Gautam Buddh Nagar district administration has announced that all schools will remain closed on Thursday, August 21, in view of the Guru Dronacharya Mela at Dankaur. The annual fair and festivities held at the Guru Dronacharya temple in Greater Noida are expected to draw large crowds, and the decision has been taken to ensure student safety and ease traffic movement. Guru Dronacharya was the teacher of Kauravas and Pandavas during the Mahabharata period and the fair is organised in his name. The event typically spans 10 days at the Shri Drona Natya Shala during which several cultural programmes and competitions are organised. Many roads will remain closed to the crowd in the fair The Guru Dronacharya Mela is scheduled to start on Thursday, August 21, and conclude on August 30. Spanning 10 days, the fair hosts a range of cultural events and competitions. The fair opens with rituals and prayers dedicated to Guru Dronacharya, reflecting its deep mythological significance. Over the years, it has grown into a vibrant cultural celebration, featuring lively stalls, folk performances, music, traditional wrestling bouts, and various exhibitions. Alongside its religious importance, the mela has evolved into a grand cultural event. Students will also get a holiday on Ganesh Chaturthi which fall next week Wednesday, August 27. Apart from that, Onam is slated to begin on August 26. Schools are closed across states in India on this occasion.
Hindustan Times
8 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
As Ganesh Chaturthi festival gains popularity, Ludhiana sees rising demand for eco-friendly idols
Ganesh Chaturthi, once considered a festival largely celebrated in Maharashtra, is now finding a place in Punjabi households in Ludhiana, with more families choosing to celebrate it each year. With just a week left for the 10-day festivities, idol-making workshops across Ludhiana are bustling with activity, reflecting the growing enthusiasm for the festival. An artist giving final touches to Ganesha idols in Ludhiana on Wednesday. (Manish/HT) Artisans noted that the shift has been rapid. Until a decade ago, Ganesh Chaturthi was almost unknown in the city, but in recent years, its popularity has steadily increased. Demand for Ganesh idols has grown consistently, prompting artisans from other states, such as Rajasthan, to cater to the city's needs, they added. Sudhir Kumar, a third-generation artisan from Chander Nagar, said, 'We have been running our business for the past 50 years, making sculptures for Durga Puja, Diwali and other festivals. It was only 15 years ago that we began making idols for Ganesh Chaturthi, after noticing the growing interest among residents,' he said. There is a notable shift towards eco-friendly idols. 'Earlier, we mostly used Plaster of Paris (POP) idols, but with rising environmental awareness, people now prefer clay-based idols. Even the paints we use are eco-friendly which dissolve easily in water after immersion. Prices for these idols range from ₹2,000 to ₹40,000 depending on size, yet they remain a preferred choice for many households,' Kumar added. Rise in home celebrations and customised idols The post-pandemic trend has also opened opportunities for artisans to experiment with eco-friendly materials, innovative designs and modern themes while retaining the traditional charm. Artisans said the trend of home celebrations, which gained momentum after Covid-19, has significantly increased demand for customised Ganesha idols. Families now prefer celebrating the festival in their homes, seeking idols that are not only traditional but also tailored to their personal preferences. Sheema Rani, another artisan on Ferozepur road, said, 'Earlier, people mostly bought standard idols from shops. Now, many families come to us months in advance with very specific requests. Some want Bal Ganesh while others prefer 'Lal Bagh ke Raja' style idols with intricate decorations, bright colours and a regal aura. She further said that meeting these customised demands requires extra effort, skill and creativity. Each order often involves handcrafting minute details from facial expressions to attire and jewellery, making the idols unique. 'Some families even share photographs or sketches and we try to replicate every detail as closely as possible,' she added. Shivani, a resident of BRS Nagar, said, 'Earlier, I only knew about Ganesh Chaturthi from TV shows and movies. But after seeing the celebrations in full grandeur at local pandals and temples, we felt inspired to celebrate it at home ourselves. It gave us a chance to enjoy the festival up close, create our own traditions, and make it truly personal for our family.'
India.com
18 hours ago
- India.com
Ganesh Chaturthi 2025: The Best Places in Delhi to Witness Grand and Colorful Ganpati Processions
Ganesh Chaturthi stands as a fundamental cultural festival in India marking the birth of Lord Ganesha. The festival extends across ten days through luxurious religious ceremonies and magnificent public marches alongside genuine religious worship. The celebrations of Ganesh Chaturthi in Delhi City stand as magnificent displays of this traditional festival due to the diverse population along with rich cultural heritage. Delhi offers various locations for experiencing the magnificent Ganesh Chaturthi processions during your visit so I will guide you through the best celebration points in Delhi. 1. Lalbaugcha Raja Pandals in Karol Bagh The famous Ganesh pandal of Lalbaugcha Raja belongs to Mumbai but Delhi maintains its own popular version that gets crowds of worshipers each year. A replica of the famous Mumbai worship space stands in Karol Bagh district of Delhi. Numerous devotees from different parts of Delhi visit this site because of its unique decorative displays combined with artistic installations. Thousands of people join dances and chants during Visarjan before they immerse the idol in Yamuna River through the street procession on the last day of the immersion festivities. 2. Connaught Place During Ganesh Chaturthi the central district of Delhi known as Connaught Place turns into a lively central space. Events at Ganesh Chaturthi revolve around prominent colorful pavilions that display creative elements throughout the festival area. The festivities which emerge from various pandals bring energy as they travel through the central circular path of Connaught Place. Devotees perform bhajan rituals and traditional dance to drum music while they shout 'Ganpati Bappa Morya' during their journey towards Yamuna River Visarjan. 3. Chandni Chowk Chandni Chowk, one of Old Delhi's oldest markets, offers a glimpse into traditional Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations. Each passageway within this district shows its power through a vibrant display of decorative structures along with magnificent deities and an active movement of public crowds. The local communities arrange a procession during which they parade massive colorful Ganesha sculptures on decorative floats. The area holds an energetic atmosphere that allows spectators to see traditional customs integrate naturally with contemporary observances. 4. Lajpat Nagar Delhi residents find Lajpat Nagar as their second favorite location to celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi. This residential part of town maintains multiple decorative pandals featuring extravagant artwork and LED installations. The conclusion of immersion processions from Lajpat Nagar leads pilgrims to visit the nearby Kali Mandir Ghat and other designated sites of the Yamuna River. The celebrations feature musical performances accompanied by dhols which bring out tremendous local support in what becomes a popular spectacle to witness. 5. Greater Kailash People in Greater Kailash which belongs to South Delhi's upscale district celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi with remarkable passion. The decorations at the pandals alongside the superb idol craftsmanship stand as the highlights although the celebration area remains smaller than Chandni Chowk. People who seek intimate experiences during their festival celebrations will find the immersion processions at this location both peaceful and enchanting. 6. Yamuna Ghat The Yamuna Ghat stands as the essential point of discussion for Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations within Delhi boundaries. The ghat stands as the main venue for Delhi city idol submersion while countless religious processions from different regions of the city gather at this location. On the last day of the festival thousands of people gather at this location to perform the ceremonial farewell of Lord Ganesha. Countless idol immersions take place in the river water as people send their prayers along with firework displays in a scene at once stunning but deeply touching. 7. Noida Sector 18 Given its close vicinity to Delhi NCR residents discover Noida Sector 18 to deserve acknowledgment as their holiday preference. Pandals and active processions unite in large numbers to organize festivals throughout the area. The infrastructure of Noida enables better peak-hour traffic control so that numerous Delhi citizens visit the Noida festivities. Tips for Visitors The following recommendations should guide you if you decide to watch Ganesh Chaturthi processions in Delhi: There is a specific timing for the processions which take place during late afternoon or evening hours therefore visitors should adjust their schedules accordingly. People visiting Chandni Chowk and Connaught Place encounter heavy jam-packed crowds. Early arrival provides a better opportunity to find an excellent viewing position. The public mass transportation including metro and buses remains dependable but you should brace for transit delays because of roadblocks during processions. Ride-sharing platforms tend to implement platform surge pricing measures. Guests must understand that Ganesh Chaturthi holds religious significance throughout this festival. Wear clothes which cover your body properly while you honor other devotees by being mindful of your actions. Conclusion People find fascination in seeing how Delhi celebrates Ganesh Chaturthi by fusing cultural practices with artistic qualities and communal connections. Visitors can experience various aspects of the celebration by walking through Chandni Chowk or observing it in Connaught Place before saying goodbye at Yamuna Ghat. Every location showcases a distinct view about how this celebrated ceremony unites people of various backgrounds to celebrate in happiness. Prepare your walking shoes because Ganesh Chaturthi in Delhi demands your presence together with a dated appointment.
