Making space for current affairs! Operation Sindoor, Shubhanshu Shukla’s odyssey & more at Ganesha pandals in Delhi

New Delhi: Delhi, a city that thrives on diversity, is about to be swept up in the colours, sounds and spirit of Maharashtra as Lord Ganesh takes over the capital on Wednesday. What once was a traditional celebration is now a spectacle where devotion meets creativity.

Current history, from Operation Sindoor to Shubhanshu Shukla's space odyssey, make this year's celebrations anything but ordinary. Add eco-conscious immersions and community-led pujas to the mix, and the stage is set for a puja time that is as meaningful as it is eye-catching.At the heart of it all is the Dilli Ka Maharaja Ganesh Mahotsav, returning for its 24th edition in east Delhi's Laxmi Nagar. "Alongside the spiritual celebrations, we have always remained committed to social and environmental causes," smiled Mahendra Ladda, found-president, Shri Ganesh Seva Mandal, the organiser.

"Our puja time initiatives include cow protection, blood donation camps, medical camps, community weddings for underprivileged girls and the use of eco-friendly Ganesh idols.

"The spotlight at the pandal this year is Op Sindoor and Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam. Models of Akash and Agni missiles, alongside the Tejas fighter jet, stand tall as symbols of India's defence strength. The tribute extends to astronaut Shukla. But what sets this celebration apart is its environmental foresight.

"The Ganesh idols are immersed in a specially created eco-reservoir within the pandal. The water afterward nourishes saplings.

The Yamuna, thus, remains untouched and city traffic unburdened," said Ladda.

Near the Netaji Subhas Place metro station, Lalbaugcha Raja — Delhi's homage to Mumbai's emblematic Ganpati — draws thousands of devotees. "The idol is identical to Mumbai's, made by the same artist, Santosh Kambli," said Anil Wadhwa of the Lal Bagh Ka Raja Trust.

"We have seating for hundreds, a towering Adi Yogi and Nandi statue from Coimbatore for the 10 days of celebrations." The immersion here too will be eco-sensitive and take place in a specially dug pit behind the venue.In Kirti Nagar, 100 drummers from Maharashtra will herald Ganesh's arrival. "We have been organising the event for 28 years and expect 3,000-4,000 people every day," said Deepak Bharadwaj, Shri Gayatri Navyuk Mandal.

"There will be cultural performances, a yagyashala and a yatra. Waterproof tents will ensure celebrations in rain and shine." The 5-ft idol here will be immersed at Wazirabad. SK Verma, who is also associated with the festivities at Kirti Nagar, informed, "The idol will be taken out in a yatra with raths, vintage cars, fire and drone shows before its immersion.

"The spirit is also pervasive at Maharashtra Sadan, where an elaborate 11-day festival is unfolding.

"A 4ft idol from our own state will be immersed within the campus. Visitors will get a taste of authentic culture, with performances from folk troupes, alongside lavish servings of modak, puran poli and vada pav. The entire celebration is steeped in devotion and cultural pride," said DN Chougule at Maharashtra Sadan.Beyond the big pandals, smaller festivities have their own followings. In Greater Kailash II, at S Block, Marathi devotees are keeping things eco-friendly with tub immersions.

"The festival begins with pooja, aarti and Atharvashirsha recital. The cultural highlights include a one-act play and musical evenings with classic Hindi and Marathi songs sung by artistes from Nagpur," said Sadanand Kavishwar, member of Marathi Mitra Mandal.At the individual level too, people are inviting their communities to their own homes. In Jor Bagh, Dr Jai Madaan, celebrity astrologer and motivational speaker, is creating a spiritual space that highlights Indian art, culture and tradition through sustainable decor.

She will also guide visitors on how to craft an eco-friendly Ganpati at home. "The theme of this year's celebration is ‘Soulful and Sustainable Ganesh Chaturthi," she beamed.

"The Ganesh idol is eco-friendly. We will have fresh fruits, seasonal vegetables, grains, flowers the traditional banana leaves, earthen pots and brass utensils."Others draw from regional traditions. At a Karnataka-style temple in the city, the Ganesh idol is carved from black stone.

"We already conducted a havan with 1,008 modaks offered as aahuti, chanting of 10,000 mool mantras and offerings of turmeric, sindoor, sugarcane, jaggery and coconuts," revealed Lokesh, the temple priest. One of Delhi's tallest Ganesh idols is at Sector 11, Dwarka and at Mayur Vihar, a 4ft idol crafted by artisans in Chennai will receive 1,008 modaks. Pitampura's Dilli Haat is transforming into a cultural carnival with puja, puppet shows, crafts stalls and regional cuisines. At Sarojini Nagar's Vinayak Mandir—one of Delhi's oldest and most famous Ganesh temples—flower garlands, rangolis, and shimmering lights are ready to welcome the deity and thousands of devotees.