Janjgir-Champa: A grand 100-foot-tall Ganesh pandal modelled on the Tirupati Balaji Temple has become a major attraction at Kachhari Chowk in Chhattisgarh’s Janjgir-Champa district. The pandal, which is 80 feet wide, houses a 20-foot idol of Lord Ganesha, popularly known as Kachhari Chowk Ke Raja.
The idol was installed with traditional rituals on Monday as devotees gathered to seek blessings during the Ganesh festival. Alongside Lord Ganesha, the pandal features idols of Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva. Visitors will also have the opportunity to seek darshan of Lord Tirupati Balaji and Lord Jagannath at the venue.
The elaborate pandal has been constructed by artisans from Kolkata, who worked day and night to complete the structure. Decorative lights have been used to enhance its appearance.
According to Avi Singh, a member of the Ganesh Utsav Committee, the organisation has been celebrating Ganesh Utsav for the past 18 years and has chosen the Tirupati Balaji Temple theme this year.
The idols have been crafted by artists from Bhatgaon using clay. The organisers said chemical colours that can cause water pollution have not been used in the idol-making process.
The committee has also arranged a special light and sound show from Kolkata, which is scheduled to begin on Wednesday. The attraction is expected to add to the festive experience for visitors.
Committee member Bhupendra Nemi said devotees have shown considerable enthusiasm for the Kachhari Chowk Ganesh idol, with people arriving in large numbers for darshan. Committee volunteers are also enthusiastic about the celebrations.
