Visakhapatnam , Andhra Pradesh : 14/09/2018: A Ganesha idol made of 120 kgs of turmeric and kumkum at CMR mall in Visakhapatnam on Friday, Sep 14, 2018. Photo : K.R. Deepak
From giving social messages and exuding patriotic fervour to being the eco-friendly warrior, Lord Ganesha has arrived in a myriad forms. Moving away from blaring music and jazzy lighting, this year the colony mandals and community associations are giving a meaningful twist to the festival.
Big boss
In a small lane of Thatichetlapalem, Ganesha arrives in a car to spread the message of road safety. The theme of the tableau is about the the perils of drunk driving. Organised by Yuva Sena Foundation, the small community mandal has recreated a traffic junction to highlight various social issues. The mouse takes on the role of a traffic policeman using the breathanalyser while the Ganesha towers over everyone else as the ‘Big Boss’ keeping watch over our deeds.
Visakhapatnam , Andhra Pradesh : 14/09/2018: Ganesha padal with the theme of traffic junction checking drunken driving at Thatichetlapalem in Visakhapatnam on Friday, Sep 14, 2018. Photo : K.R. Deepak
At another corner of the set a man hands over a book to a young beggar instead of money, symbolising the power of education and a message to stop encouraging children from begging. The organisers have been designing themes around social messages since 2011. “Last year, the theme was blood donation awareness. This year, we have addressed issues like preventing dengue, importance of wearing seat belt, eradicating child begging, following helmet rules and effects of drunked driving,” says Hari Prasad of Yuva Seva Foundation. Located at Laxminarayana Puram 2, the tableau may be small but is drawing quite a good crowd for its innovative concepts.
Eco-friendly avatars
Eco-friendly being the buzz word this year, this Ganesha is made with 120kg of turmeric and kumkum at CMR Mall at Jagadamba. The eight-feet statue has become a cynosure of all eyes. The organisers ensure that each year the idol gives out a strong message to conduct festivals in an eco-friendly manner. Earlier, the idols were made of grass and fruits.
Chengal Rao Peta is one of the areas where different forms of Ganesha can be found every few hundred metres. One set-up depicts a young Ganesha playing with a tyre and stick, just like many children across India. Fifteen-year-old Abhishek Manoj Kumar, says, “This reminds me of the days when I used to play with a tyre, before smartphones took over our lives.”
Just like most festivals, Ganesh Chaturthi is also an occasion to unwind and relax. However, overindulgence in alcohol dampens the festive spirit. Addressing that are a group of eight boys who have created a Ganesha idol drinking coconut water with his friends.
One of the bigger idols in the area is the Ganesha with multiple heads and arms. This grand idol was brought into the neighbourhood from Simhachalam by 30 households contributing about ₹1,000 each.
Visakhapatnam , Andhra Pradesh: 14/09/2018: Ganesha with multiple hands and heads at Chengal Rao Peta in Visakhapatnam . Photo: Archit Mehta
In all its grandeur
With bright string lights marking the festive fervour, One Town area is all decked up. At Poorna Market, a 26-foot-high idol of Ganesha sits in front of three brown elephant heads to welcome devotees in a tableau that resembles a temple. At 35 feet, the pandal, in its 53rd year, is one of the tallest in the city and has been attracting large crowds with queues running up to one kilometre.
Near Medara Street, the elephant-headed God offers a message of peace. The idol, which stands in front of a flex banner with the image of Indian Parliament represents India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, is dressed in the characteristic jacket and kurta and the iconic Nehru cap. This tableau, by Power Boys, has always centred on patriotic themes. Last year, their tableau depicted Ganesha hoisting the tri-colour flag.
Visakhapatnam , Andhra Pradesh : 14/09/2018: Ganesha idol in the attaire of Nehru with the theme of Freedom fighters at Vellampeta in Visakhapatnam on Friday, Sep 14, 2018. Photo : K.R. Deepak
Away from the din and grandeur are the residents of Old Post Office area. Embracing simplicity, their Ganesha sits in a small palanquin. Decorated with marigold flowers and leaves of mango trees by enthusiastic kids of the locality, the tableau is suspended almost three feet above the ground with the help of a hook and ropes.
