What happens when your love for pani puri meets your devotion to Ganpati Bappa? You get a 13-foot-tall Ganpati idol made using a whopping 21,000 pani puri shells! This unique Bappa has become a talking point in Pune this Ganeshotsav, with the idol installed outside Ganesh Bhel on Fergusson Road.
Pune’s Ganeshotsav Gets A Pani Puri Twist With This 13-Ft Ganesha
Made entirely with pani puris, the larger-than-life Ganesha is drawing devotees and curious visitors to the popular Pune food spot. According to Loksatta, standing around 13 feet tall and 11 feet wide, the striking idol has been crafted using 21,000 round pani puri shells.
The puris have been carefully arranged to take the shape of Lord Ganesha, creating an unusual yet intricate festive installation.
Artist Prashant Salunkhe brought the idea to life, and preparations took around two months. Special measures were also taken to ensure that the puris remain intact throughout the festival.
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And, It’s An Eco-Friendly Ganpati!
Beyond the novelty, the installation also carries an environmental message. According to reports, leftover dough that would otherwise have gone to waste was reused to make the puris used for the idol. Bamboo, paper and other natural materials were used for the structure as well.
It is worth noting that this is also not Ganesh Bhel’s first unconventional Bappa. The Pune eatery has been creating Ganpati idols using unique concepts for the fourth consecutive year, choosing a different theme each time.
Interestingly, the idea has a history too. In 2018, Ganesh Bhel created a Ganpati idol using around 10,000 pani puris, also with an eco-friendly concept.
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A Ganpati Made With Food And Devotion
For Ganesh Bhel, the concept is more than just a quirky installation. The family behind the business has a long association with the name Ganesh, and the organisers say each puri used for the idol represents their connection with Bappa.
The pani puri Ganpati will remain on display during the festival, giving devotees a chance to see this unusual Bappa in person. The unveiling was also accompanied by a dhol-tasha performance, adding to the festive atmosphere on Fergusson Road.
Also Read: Video: Air India Crew Member Misses Ganpati Puja At Home, Passenger Brings Bappa On Flight
So, if you thought pani puri was only meant to be stuffed, dunked in spicy water and eaten by the plateful, Pune has given the beloved street food quite a different role this Ganeshotsav.
Cover Image Courtesy: X/@Ballu_Speaks & Canva Pro/subodhsathe (representative image)
FAQs
How many pani puris were used to make the Ganpati idol in Pune?
Around 21,000 pani puris were used to create the 13-foot-tall Ganpati idol.
ho made the 21,000 pani puri Ganpati in Pune?
The idol was created by a team led by artist Prashant Salunkhe, along with the people associated with Ganesh Bhel.
Where can you see the pani puri Ganpati in Pune?
Visitors can see the idol at Ganesh Bhel on Fergusson Road during Ganeshotsav.
