Puri (Odisha): Celebrated sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik has created a unique sand sculpture of Lord Ganesha using 1,500 lemons at Puri beach in Odisha, marking the auspicious occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi.
This year’s artwork carries a deeper message—supporting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) initiative. Pattnaik said the sculpture symbolizes Lord Ganesha’s blessings on the nation’s journey towards self-reliance.
“Every year, we craft different themes for Ganesh Chaturthi. This time, we’ve used lemons in the sand sculpture. Through this, we are spreading the message of Make in India, Vocal for Local, and even referencing the strength of initiatives like BrahMos. Lord Ganesha is guiding and blessing our efforts to build an Aatmanirbhar Bharat,” said Pattnaik.
Ganesh Chaturthi, a ten-day festival that begins on Chaturthi and concludes on Anantha Chaturdashi, is celebrated with great enthusiasm across India. Also known as Vinayak Chaturthi or Vinayak Chavithi, the festival honors Lord Ganesha—the remover of obstacles and the god of wisdom, prosperity, and new beginnings.
Across the country, celebrations are in full swing:
In Mumbai, thousands of devotees visited the famous Shree Siddhivinayak Ganpati Temple to offer prayers.
In Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, crowds gathered at the historic Manika Vinayagar Temple.
Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, also witnessed large gatherings at local Ganpati temples.
In Nagpur, worshippers offered prayers at the Shri Ganesh Mandir Tekdi.
In Ahmedabad, Gujarat, the Vastrapur Ganesh Temple hosted special aarti ceremonies.
People bring Lord Ganesha idols into their homes, observe fasts, prepare traditional sweets, and visit elaborately decorated pandals throughout the ten days.
A highlight of the celebrations in Mumbai was the unveiling of the iconic Lalbaugcha Raja. Known for its grandeur and deep-rooted history, the idol—crafted with intricate artistry—draws millions of devotees each year. Established in 1934 by the Lalbaugcha Raja Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal, the idol has been preserved and maintained by the Kambli family for over 80 years. More than just an idol, Lalbaugcha Raja represents the collective faith and festive spirit of Mumbai.
Ganesh Chaturthi continues to unite millions in devotion, tradition, and celebration across India.
