Ganeshotsav is known for its grand celebrations, elaborate decorations and, most notably, the creative idols of Lord Ganesha that devotees install across
Maharashtra. Every year, unique idols made using unusual materials attract attention, and this year is no different. One such creation from Pune has now caught the internet's attention. The operators of Ganesh Bhel on FC Road have crafted a massive 13-foot-tall idol of Lord Ganesha using 21,000 pani puris. The unusual idol was reportedly created by Rupesh and Dinesh Gudmevar over a period of nearly two months. Given the delicate nature of the installation, artisans have been stationed around the clock to monitor the idol and ensure that it remains intact throughout the festival. What makes the creation stand out further is the way the makers plan to deal with the pani puris after the festivities. Instead of immersing the idol and the material in water, the 21,000 puris are set to be repurposed into organic fertiliser once the celebrations conclude. A video showcasing the giant pani puri Ganesha has been circulating widely across social media platforms, including Instagram and X. The unusual concept has drawn considerable attention, with several users praising the creativity behind the idol.
The comment section has also been filled with messages such as “Jai Shree Ganesh”, as users shared their reactions to the unique creation.
However, the idol has also sparked a discussion around the use of food for artistic and festive installations. While some users appreciated the plan to convert the puris into organic fertiliser, others questioned whether using such a large quantity of food for an idol was appropriate.
One user raised the issue in the comments, writing, “I know that's sustainable but this is a huge amount of food which could have been fed to the poor... This isn't as sustainable for the country like India.”
Ganeshotsav 2026
The Ganeshotsav celebrations began on September 14, 2026, and will conclude on September 25. The festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm across Maharashtra, with devotees installing idols of Lord Ganesha in homes, housing societies and public pandals.
A major part of the festivities is the creativity involved in making and decorating Ganesha idols. From traditional clay idols to elaborate creations made using unconventional materials, devotees and artisans often experiment with different designs to create something distinctive.
As the celebrations get underway, several such creative installations are making their way onto social media, where videos and photographs of unusual Ganesha idols quickly attract attention.
