Ganesh pandals celebrate stories of resilience and devotion | Fusion - WeRIndia

This year’s Ganesh Chaturthi saw a remarkable pandal in Chennai, paying tribute to the survivors of the tragic Wayanad landslide.

The artist, Shanmugam, has been creating themed Ganesh installations for 26 years, often inspired by current events.

His unique Vana Ganesha pandal draws attention not only for its artistic expression but also for its touching theme.

The centrepiece features a large Ganesh idol accompanied by an elephant, an elderly woman, and a child—symbols of resilience.

This theme is based on the real-life story of Sujatha, an elderly woman who, along with her grandchild, narrowly escaped the deadly Wayanad landslide.

During their escape, they encountered three elephants, and Sujatha’s emotional plea to one of the animals led it to protect them until morning.

Shanmugam’s pandal captures this heartwarming moment, emphasizing the connection between humans and nature.

The installation near Keelkattalai, Chennai, honours not only the victims but also the survivors of the landslide that claimed the lives of 392 people.

In contrast, Hyderabad’s famous Balapur Ganesh pandal impresses devotees with a grand narrative inspired by the Ayodhya Ram temple.

This year’s 15-foot idol depicts the scene of Ksheera Sagara Madhanam, a story of devas and asuras.

A highlight of the Balapur celebration is the auction of the 21-kg ‘Bangaru Laddu.’ Last year, this sacred laddu fetched a record bid of ₹27 lakh.

The tradition began in 1994 when a local farmer won the bid for ₹450. After distributing the prasadam, he sprinkled some on his farm, leading to a bountiful yield.

This sparked a belief that the laddu brings prosperity, and the auction has become a cherished ritual ever since.

The funds raised are used for local development projects, including school improvements, temple renovations, and community infrastructure.

Both pandals reflect the deep connection between devotion, culture, and community service, making this special Ganesh Chaturthi celebration.

Image Credit: మురళీకృష్ణ ముసునూరి, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Image Reference: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Balapur_Ganesh_Mandapam.jpg