Kolhapur : From sipping coconut water with Bappa at a beach shack to watching a seven-foot Ganesh idol rise and cut a birthday cake, pandals across Kolhapur are pulling out all stops to delight children this Ganeshotsav.
Aishwarya Vhatkar, a resident , said, “The Ganesh idol sitting on a beach shack holding coconut water at pandal of Mrutyunjay Mitra Mandal in Saneguruji was my favourite as my 3-year-old daughter was able to sit next to the Ganesh idol and click pictures while sipping coconut water. You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Kolhapur | Silver Rate in Kolhapur | Bank Holidays in Kolhapur | Public Holidays in Kolhapur Stay updated with the latest Kolhapur news. As the festival enters its final stretch, crowds are swelling at pandals and roads remain packed with devotees until late at night. Historical sets, temple replicas, balancing idols, moving displays and themes carrying social messages are among the major attractions this year. Several mandals have made their displays especially interactive for children. Young visitors can pose for selfies with Bappa, watch him play Rang Panchami or ride a bicycle, and even sit beside him at a Goa-themed beach shack. The beach theme created by Mrutyunjay Mitra Mandal in Saneguruji has become a favourite among families. The Goa theme made by the mandal was realistic. At Shahupuri Vyapari Peth, Shahupuri Yuvak Mandal has used its theme to urge children to put away their mobile phones and rediscover traditional games. The display highlights the disadvantages of excessive mobile phone use among children. Prince Club in Mangalwar Peth, meanwhile, has turned Bappa’s birthday into a technical spectacle. A seven-foot Ganesh idol rises to cut a birthday cake, while Narad Muni and Lord Shankar make an unusual arrival on a bicycle. Children can step onto the stage and join the birthday celebrations, making the pandal a big draw among young visitors. Caves are another crowd-puller. Several mandals have recreated ancient caves, with families queuing up to walk through the elaborate sets. Some have given the idea a spooky twist, creating haunted caves populated by ghosts, aliens, gorillas and gaurs. The frightening figures have thrilled older children, while leaving some of the younger ones in tears. Download the TOI App.