Ganesh Chaturthi 2012, Pune: Pandals, 1

Two days ago I wrote the following:

"Ganesh Chaturthi starts with the installation of these Ganesh statues in colorfully decorated homes and specially erected temporary structures (pandals) in every locality. 

The pandals are erected by the people of a specific society or locality or group by collecting monetary contributions. The pandals are decorated specially for the festival, either by using decorative items like flower garlands, lights, etc. or with theme based decorations, which depict religious themes or current events."

In the weeks before the start of the festival we saw indeed several pandals being erected. From simple structures to enormous ones. 

The simple ones are basically an elevated, decorated stage for the idol. The larger ones, usually belonging to famous (and rich) temples, depict another building, setting or theme each year.

We will stroll along some smaller pandals, taking in the street decorations at the same time:

Setting up a modest sized basic one.

Set up and decorated, but 'closed' at that moment.

Quite large, still working on it.

Closed at that moment. Next to the pandal they are preparing their procession carriage.

A simple one, but with a very nice idol. 

With disco balls and large speakers.

The streets are decorated as well:

In our hotel, they have set up a sort of pandal for their Ganesha as well, in the basement. In the mornings and evenings the staff can go there to do their worshipping.

I was kindly offered to have a look there and it was nice to see:

In front of the pandal in the hotel, and also near the entrance of the hotel, kolam were drawn on the floor. 

Tomorrow's post will be about kolam. I will tell and show you what it is.