Key Points

The theme of the pandal is dedicated to the Indian cricket team's triumph at the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy.

According to Akash Agarwal, founder of Bal Yuva Mandal, the Ganesh idol is designed to reflect India's triumph in the Champions Trophy, with the idol holding the trophy in one hand and the Indian flag in the other.

The pandal is decorated in tricolour hues and cutouts of senior players, such as Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja are erected.

This also marks the 26th year that Bal Yuva Mandal has been placing Ganesh idols with unique themes. Last year, their concept was centred around Article 370. The community, comprising 25 members, strives to provide a new and distinct experience for devotees visiting their pandal each year.

The Ganesh idol is named "India Wale". Devotees can look forward to a unique celebration that combines sports enthusiasm with spiritual fervour.

Vinayak Chaturthi, also known as Vinayak Chavithi, is a festival that marks the worship of Lord Ganesha as the god of new beginnings and remover of obstacles. Devotees across India and abroad celebrate his wisdom and intelligence with decorated homes and pandals, prayers, music, and vibrant processions.

Earlier in July, the Maharashtra government declared the public Ganeshotsav as the "Maharashtra State Festival." The announcement was made in the Legislative Assembly by Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar, who said the tradition of public Ganeshotsav was started in Maharashtra in 1893 by Lokmanya Tilak.

"This festival is deeply rooted in social, national, freedom, self-respect, and linguistic pride. It continues in the same spirit today. It is a matter of pride and honour for Maharashtra," Shelar had told the Assembly.

- ANI