Padma Prasad, a resident of Vijayanagar in her 50s, fondly recalls her childhood days when almost every street corner had a Ganesha idol installed and youngsters used the pandal to showcase their singing, dancing, and acting talents. The pandals hosted cultural programmes, ranging from classical music, light music, and Harikathe performances to film music orchestras.
“The youth used to form Yuva Balagas (youth groups) and install Ganesh idols in every block. But that era is gone, and now the youth do not have time. The younger generation spends most of its free time on the internet and social media. The festival is limited to only the installation of the idol, worship, offering of prasada, and immersion. Only some political aspirants spend their own money and celebrate for a couple of days,” she said, lamenting the end of “glory days.”
