Islands of creativity abound in Ganesh pandals outside Mumbai too, reports Bella Jaisinghani concluding TOI’s annual Ganeshotsav seriesMira Road Cha Morya, Shantinagar A stylish peacock in human form with muscular frame and outstretched arms supports the red idol of Morya. Spokesperson Aryan Rawal says, “We will henceforth sculpt the Ashtavinayak series over the next eight years. To start with, we have installed this vermilion-hued idol of Shri Mayureshwar.” Morya is the oldest mandal in the area.Vasaicha BappaChildren are particularly excited to visit this Veer Savarkar Nagar mandal. Secretary Viraj Bobade says, “The arms of our 15 ft Bappa move sideways, which is so exciting. The mechanism is by Siddhapura Brothers.” President Jitendra Pandey says the idol is by moortikar Krunal Patil and the decor comprises 12 Jyotirling darshan in interactive format.Thanyacha Maharaja, Kisan Nagar 1Film stars and cricketers are flocking to Thanyacha Maharaja as it celebrates its golden jubilee. The idol is 18 ft tall, 22 ft with the prabhaval. The regal idol is carved by Rajan Zhad and the palace set is by Mandar Gole. Bhajans, bhandara and Satyanarayan mahapuja are drawing visitors. Politician Ravindra Phatak is mandal president.Devchand Nagar, Bhayander WestThis creative mandal in Sona Shripal building near Bavan Jinalay crafts stunning idols like the Forest Ganesh of 2025 which had mesmerised viewers by its overhanging real roots and green glow. Vice president Nilesh Jain says in their 27th year, moortikar Akshay Mhatre has sculpted a 22 ft Indradev avatar Ganesh with 27 Airavat elephants.Samelgav Cha Vighnaharta, Nalasopara WestA beauteous 4.5 ft Matsya avatar Ganesh lords over this township of 60-70 buildings in Samelgav. Moortikar Swapnil Sawant has sculpted it from clay. Mandal members intend to create the Dashavtar series over the next ten years. “The Matsya avatar was the first incarnation of Lord Vishnu. We will serially take up each avatar,” said a member.
