18 Sep 2026
The Nanawadi Ganeshotsav Mandal in Belagavi has unveiled an innovative 8-foot Ganesh idol decorated with 18,102 arecanuts as part of this year's Ganeshotsav celebrations.
The idol has been made using shadu clay, straw and grass and was sculpted by Belagavi-based artist Maruti Kumbar. Mandal volunteers spent nearly 20 days attaching arecanuts of different shapes to the idol, according to The Times of India report published September 16.
The mandal has promoted eco-friendly celebrations for the past 14 years. In earlier years, it has used materials including flowers, sand, dry fruits, grains, food items, fried modaks, paper cups, rudraksha beads, walnut shells and tulsi garlands for its distinctive decorations.
The mandal also conducts its celebrations without fireworks and DJ sound music. Executive committee chairman Narayan Bhosale said the arecanut decoration was completed entirely by volunteers and continues the mandal's tradition of experimenting with environmentally conscious materials.
The installation has attracted visitors and adds a distinctive eco-friendly attraction to Belagavi's ongoing Ganeshotsav celebrations.