Organisers preparing Ganesh idol for transportation to their pandal ahead of Ganesh Chaturthi festival at Peda Waltair in Visakhapatnam on Saturday.
| Photo Credit: K.R. DEEPAK
The Ganesh Chaturthi festivities have gained momentum in Visakhapatnam, with the streets abuzz with preparations. As the Ganesh Puja is just after the weekend, people are engaging in activities and organising events and programmes with plenty of time on their hands.Markets witnessed brisk activity on Saturday evening (September 12, 2026) despite intermittent rain, with people purchasing decoration items for the puja. Fruits and flowers were among the most sought-after items, while vendors also reported good demand for colourful decorative umbrellas, hangings, and other accessories commonly used to decorate Ganesh pandals and homes.A wide variety of colourful Ganesh idols were being sold at markets across the city. Vendors said that many people continued to show interest in idols made of Plaster of Paris despite growing awareness about the environmental impact of non-clay idols. Clay idols, they said, were comparatively less in demand.The participation of youth associations has increased significantly this year. While Ganesh idols were traditionally brought to pandals only on the eve of Ganesh Chaturthi, organisers are now bringing them two to three days in advance. Several areas have been witnessing ‘Vinayaka Agamanam’ (Vinayaka arrival) programmes, with celebrations reported in Chinna Waltair, Gajuwaka, and Madhurawada, among other places. Cultural programmes and DJ performances are also being organised, drawing large numbers of youngsters.Several distinctive Ganesh idols are being prepared in different parts of the city this year. Gajuwaka is set to host an idol decorated with one lakh bangles, while an idol at Sheela Nagar is being made using 100 kg of dates. The Sri Chintamani Ganapathi Temple near Sirisapalli is hosting a 20-foot Maha Sasya Ganapathi, created using 50,000 plants. At CMR Mall near Judge Court, an idol decorated with 6,000 sea shells is among the attractions.Meanwhile, the city police have made it mandatory to obtain permission for setting up pandals. Organisers are required to secure this permission through the website launched by the A.P. Police Department before approaching the police for further clearance. QR codes are being issued to approved organisers for display near their respective pandals. Published - September 12, 2026 08:59 pm IST
