On Ganesh Chaturthi, celebrated on Saturday, a distinctive Ganesh pandal in Chennai has captured significant attention with its heartfelt theme dedicated to the survivors of the Wayanad landslide. The creative installation has been a focal point of the festival, reflecting a deep sense of empathy and tribute.
The artist behind the captivating pandal, Shanmugam, is renowned for his thematic Ganesh installations, a tradition he has upheld for 26 years. Each year, Shanmugam draws inspiration from current events and popular topics, crafting unique and relevant representations of Lord Ganesha. His creations have consistently been a highlight during Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations.
Last year, Shanmugam’s pandal featured a depiction of the Chandrayaan-3 rocket in flight beside Lord Ganesha, showcasing a blend of contemporary achievements and traditional reverence. This year, his installation has taken a more poignant turn, reflecting a deeply moving story from the recent past.
The current year’s theme is a tribute to the survivors of the Wayanad landslide, a tragic event that claimed at least 392 lives. Shanmugam’s pandal features a large Ganesh idol accompanied by an elephant and sculptures of an elderly woman and a child. This setup draws inspiration from a real-life incident involving Sujatha, an elderly woman who, along with her grandchild, narrowly escaped the devastating landslide.
During their escape, Sujatha and her grandchild fled towards a coffee plantation and encountered three elephants. Sujatha later recounted her experience, revealing how she pleaded with one of the elephants to protect them. The elephant stood guard until morning, ensuring their safety. This touching story of the bond between humans and animals resonated widely, going viral and capturing the collective imagination.
Named “Vana Ganesha,” the pandal not only honours the victims of the landslide but also celebrates the resilience and remarkable bond between humans and nature. Shanmugam’s choice to include the elephants in the installation underscores the significance of this extraordinary story and reflects a deep respect for the natural world and its role in human survival.
Located near Keelkattalai in Chennai, the pandal has become a symbol of hope and endurance, drawing visitors who are moved by its story and artistic expression. The installation captures the spirit of Ganesh Chaturthi while offering a poignant reminder of the resilience demonstrated by those affected by the landslide.
Shanmugam’s Ganesh pandal serves as both a celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi and a touching tribute to the survivors of a tragic natural disaster. By incorporating elements from the Wayanad landslide story, the pandal resonates with themes of courage, survival, and the protective bond between humans and nature. As Chennai celebrates Ganesh Chaturthi, this unique installation stands out as a moving homage to both tradition and contemporary resilience.
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