Patna: The heart of Patna is awash with the sights, sounds and colours of Maharashtra this week, as the Maharashtra Mandal on Daroga Rai Path hosts its 57th consecutive Ganesh Utsav. The highlight: a towering six-foot idol of Lord Ganesha, a replica of Mumbai’s famed Lalbaugcha Raja, installed with great pomp and devotion.
Each year, the Mandal draws thousands of devotees, but this year the attraction is a diamond-studded gold crown, worth Rs 38 lakh, specially crafted in Mumbai and offered by a devotee whose wish was fulfilled last year. The crown will adorn the idol during the evening aarti, with Governor Arif Mohammad Khan expected to lead the prayers, joined by the chief minister, deputy chief minister and a line-up of state ministers.
The celebration is as much about culture as faith. The Mandal has created a pandal on the theme of Operation Sindoor, paying tribute to India’s successful evacuation mission. Last year’s Chandrayaan-3 inspired décor drew crowds; this year’s design promises the same mix of spectacle and symbolism.
For seven days, offerings of modaks will be made, with rituals led by Kajal Pawar, who urged devotees to visit and seek Ganpati’s blessings. “Ganpati fulfills everyone’s wishes,” she said.
The cultural programming extends beyond the rituals. On September 2, a tableau will accompany the idol immersion, featuring 60 artists from Nashik performing the traditional Jhanjh Patak, with the rhythmic clash of cymbals, drums and folk dance filling the streets. A special Haldi-Kumkum ceremony will also be held on August 29, celebrating women’s traditions.
For devotees like Sitaram Shinde, the festival offers a personal connection. “I came with my wishes, and Ganpati always listens,” he said, standing before the towering idol.
Secretary Sanjay Bhosale described the festival as both a spiritual and cultural anchor: “Every year, Patna’s people wait to see what Maharashtra Mandal creates. This is not just about devotion—it is about bringing our traditions alive on Bihar’s soil.”
