Patna: Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations are underway in Patna, with the Maharashtra Mandal organising its annual Ganpati festival at a pandal designed on the lines of the Meenakshi Temple in Madurai.
The main attraction is a 5.5-foot Ganesh idol inspired by Mumbai’s famous Lalbaugcha Raja. The idol was brought from Mumbai for this year’s celebrations.
The deity has been adorned with a gold crown valued at Rs 55 lakh, which, according to the organisers, is studded with diamonds, emeralds and rubies.
Meenakshi Temple-Inspired Pandal
Maharashtra Mandal secretary Sanjay Bhosale said 12 artisans from Mumbai worked for about a month to construct the pandal.
The interior decoration has also been designed to reflect the architectural and decorative style associated with the Meenakshi Temple. The Ganesh idol has been made using Sadhu clay, according to the organisers.
Governor Syed Ata Hasnain attended the worship at the pandal, arriving in traditional attire. Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary is also scheduled to participate in the prayers.
Pran Pratishtha And 501 Modaks
Five priests led by Prashant Jagirdar of Sangli, Maharashtra, are conducting the rituals for the installation and Pran Pratishtha of the idol on September 14.
The organisers said 501 modaks will be offered to Lord Ganesh on the first day of the festival as part of the celebrations.
Kolkata Lighting, Nashik Troupe To Feature
Lighting brought from Chandannagar in Kolkata is among the key attractions at the festival. The pandal will also feature floral decorations sourced from Bengal.
A Mahaprasad will be organised on September 20 from 11am.
The festival will conclude with a Ganpati Visarjan procession featuring a 60-member Jhanjh Pathak from Nashik. The troupe comprises 20 girls and 40 boys and will perform with traditional musical instruments during the procession.
