Ganesha devotees of Bengaluru are all set to welcome the elephant-headed god this year with pomp and festivity. Leading the celebrations is Bengaluru Ganesha Utsava of Basavanagudi, now in its 56th year, organised by Shree Vidyaranya Yuvaka Sangaha.
The festival will take place between September 13- September 24, 2018. The spectacular &lsquomantapa&rsquo (marquee) has been designed by sculptor and installation artist Gouranga Kuila, a national award winner for handicrafts in 2002. He is also well known among the Durga Puja organisers of Kolkata for creating some spectacular marquees. This year, Ganesha would be housed in a mantapa resembling a palanquin carried by six men through a forest with elephants and deer for company. Said Kuila, "This setting symbolizes the harmonious coordination we have with nature and I hope it inspires people to go green." Ornately gilded columns, stained glass ceilings, decorative steel grills and chandeliers with intricate floral motifs will adorn the mantapa.
Bengaluru Ganesha Utsava has also announced the schedule of its cultural and musical festival that is a characteristic of its annual celebration. The main idea of the festival is to uphold the rich culture and tradition of Karnataka, according to the organisers. &ldquoWhile being strongly rooted in our tradition and culture, we are broadening our horizon to cater to the young and global citizens who arrive in thousands to soak in the sea of music,&rdquo said Nandish SM, Managing Trustee, Bengaluru Ganesh Utsava.
On the first Sunday of the festival (September 13 to 24, 2018), well-known musicians from across Karnataka will hold a 12-hour nonstop Purandara Aradhana Mahotsava.
The 11-day Bengaluru Ganesha Utsava will showcase a slew of popular artists on different days. Vijay Prakash from Karnataka, and S.P Balasubramanyam and Shreya Ghosal from Bollywood, are some of the playback singers who will be performing here. 'Bharatha Natya' by Hasmitha Ganesh and 'Nruthya Maale' by Kumari Anargya Prashanth and her team are some of the dance recitals to be held on different days. There will be a programme in honour of the late melody maker RD Burman where singers Mohan Krishna, MD Pallavi, Maalvika Sundar (of Indian Idol fame), Alok Katdare and Aditya Vittal along with Arun Kumar & Troupe and Kishore Sodha on trumpet, are scheduled to perform. Veteran Bollywood star Rishi Kapoor will also attend the celebrations.
In between, do not forget to partake of the delectable spread to be presented by Aromas of Karnataka - Food Utsava.
Entry is free.
For more details on the cultural programmes, refer to https://www.bgu.co.in/.