Vinayak Chavithi in Visakhapatnam: Unique Ganesha idols to see this year

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An eight-foot-tall Ganesha idol made with around 6,000 seashells is displayed as part of an eco-friendly initiative at CMR near Judge Court in Visakhapatnam. | Photo Credit: KR Deepak

Vinayak Chavithi in Visakhapatnam comes with several interesting formats this year. Along with the customary pandals and Ganesha idols, organisers and artists have found unusual materials and formats to interpret the festival. There are Ganeshas made from dry fruits, seashells and bangles, while a range of workshops invite people to make or paint their own idols. Here is a guide to some of the distinctive Ganeshas and workshops around the city.

A Ganesha made with 100 kilograms of dried dates in Sheela Nagar in Visakhapatnam. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

A Ganesha made with 100 kilograms of dried dates is being created in Sheela Nagar. The idol is accompanied by an installation of a mouse made with 10 kilograms of black raisins. The unusual choice of material is expected to make the pandal a draw for visitors during the festival. The Ganesha will remain on display for 13 days. Devotees visiting the pandal will also receive dry dates as prasadam. The pandal is set up by the association called Miracle Youth.

Where: Sheela Nagar, Harijana Jaggayyapalem, beside Anganwadi school Duration: 13 days

An eight-foot-tall Ganesha idol made with around 6,000 seashells is displayed as part of an eco-friendly initiative at CMR near Judge Court in Visakhapatnam. | Photo Credit: KR Deepak

At CMR Mall in Jagadamba, 6,000 seashells collected from Visakhapatnam Beach have been assembled into an eight-foot Ganesha. The choice of material gives the idol a distinct connection with the city and its coastline.

The organisers describe it as an environment-friendly initiative, with a new theme centred on natural materials selected for the idol each year. Last year, CMR’s Ganesha was made using coconuts.

The seashell Ganesha will be available for visitors to see at CMR, Jagadamba, from September 14.

A massive idol of 99-foot with bangles at Gajuwaka in Visakhapatnam. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

Gajuwaka has another unusual Ganesha in store, with bangles being used to create a massive idol that is 99-feet tall. Colourful glass pieces have been arranged to form the familiar figure of the elephant-headed deity. A team of 28 artists worked on the idol to give it a unique appearance.

Those who would like to take home something they have created themselves can head to 365 Restaurant at Radisson Blu Resort, Visakhapatnam. The restaurant is hosting a ‘Paint Your Own Ganesha‘ experience during brunch hours this weekend.

Participants can create, colour and personalise their own Ganesha idol as part of the festive experience.