21,000 Pani Puri Puris Come Together to Create 13-Foot Ganpati Idol on FC Road

• Unique Ganeshotsav installation highlights creativity, reuse and an eco-friendly message

Pune : A towering 13-foot Ganpati idol created entirely with 21,000 pani puri puris has emerged as one of the unusual attractions of this year’s Ganeshotsav on Fergusson College Road.

The installation has been placed outside the Ganesh Bhel outlet on FC Road and is drawing attention for its distinctive use of a popular street-food item to create a traditional religious idol. The structure measures around 13 feet in height and 10 feet in width.

The concept was developed by artist Prashant Salunkhe, who arranged thousands of puris meticulously to give shape to the Ganpati idol. Work on the installation began nearly two months before the festival, with the puris prepared at Ganesh Bhel’s own facility.

The idol was formally unveiled by Ganesh Bhel founder Ramesh Gudmewar, in the presence of his wife Chhaya Gudmewar, directors Rupesh Gudmewar and Dinesh Gudmewar, and Anushka Gudmewar. The Shivmudra Dhol-Tasha Pathak also performed during the unveiling, adding to the festive atmosphere.

Organisers said considerable attention has been paid to protecting the puris from damage so that the installation remains intact throughout the 12-day Ganeshotsav celebrations and until Anant Chaturdashi.

Turning food waste into art

Beyond its unusual appearance, the installation has been designed around the idea of reuse. According to the organisers, leftover dough that could otherwise have been discarded was used to prepare the puris required for the idol.

The supporting framework has been made using bamboo, paper and other natural and eco-friendly materials, further reinforcing the environmental theme behind this year’s concept.

“We are encouraged to undertake such initiatives because of the response from citizens. The highlight of this year’s concept is the reuse of leftover dough that would otherwise have been wasted. Bamboo and paper have also been used for the structure. Through reuse and creativity, we want to convey an eco-friendly message,” said Ganesh Bhel director Rupesh Gudmewar.

For the Gudmewar family, the installation also carries a personal significance because of the business’s long association with the name Ganesh.

“‘Ganesh’ is not merely the name of our business; it is a relationship that is deeply connected to our lives. Every pani puri puri that we handled was not just a puri for us. In every puri, we gradually began to see Ganesh,” said Dinesh Gudmewar.

Fourth year of an unconventional Ganpati

This is the fourth consecutive year that Ganesh Bhel has experimented with an unconventional concept for its Ganpati installation. A new theme is selected each year as part of the outlet’s Ganeshotsav celebrations.

The Ganesh Bhel story dates back to 1978, when Ramesh Gudmewar and Chhaya Ramesh Gudmewar started the business in Pune with a simple handcart. The venture subsequently expanded and continued as a family-run business across generations.

The organisation currently has more than 35 outlets, while its products are reportedly exported to 22 countries.

The 13-foot pani puri Ganpati will remain on display outside the FC Road outlet until Anant Chaturdashi, giving devotees and visitors an opportunity to see the unusual installation during the festival.