Ranchi: Ranchi’s Ganesh Chaturthi pandals are blending new themes with traditional spirit, with committees incorporating peacock motifs, Maharashtrian-style decor and illuminated depictions of Ganpati as they put the final touches to their installations ahead of Monday’s celebrations.At Kutchery Chowk, Gajraj Puja Mahasamiti has chosen a peacock-themed pandal this year. The committee has planned a 12-foot Ganesh idol with a golden finish to match the decor.“We wanted to bring a different theme to the pandal this year, and have chosen the peacock. The 12-foot idol will be given a golden touch, which will add to the overall look of the installation,” said Rajesh Thakur, a member of the committee.Mahadev Puja Samiti is adding features beyond the traditional pandal setup. “We will have selfie stands around the pandal for visitors. The lighting will also follow a Maharashtrian theme, through which Ganpati Bappa will be depicted,” said Tushar Kumar, a member of the committee.The change in decor is also visible in the idols being commissioned. Sculptor Alik Paul said demand for Maharashtrian-style idols has risen.“We are seeing a shift towards Maharashtrian-style idols. The decor also has a different intricacy. Our idols generally have more human-like faces, with detailed eyes, nose and other features, while Maharashtrian Ganpati idols have a stronger elephant-like resemblance,” Paul said.His workshop is making idols priced between ₹200 and ₹1 lakh, with orders from Ranchi and districts such as Ramgarh and Khunti.Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations will begin across Ranchi on Monday. The district administration is coordinating safety, traffic and crowd management arrangements for the festivities.
