Vinayak Chavithi in Visakhapatnam comes with several interesting formats this year. Along with the customary pandals and Ganesha idols, organisers and artists have found unusual materials and formats to interpret the festival. There are Ganeshas made from dry fruits, seashells and bangles, while a range of workshops invite people to make or paint their own idols. Here is a guide to some of the distinctive Ganeshas and workshops around the city.
A Ganesha of dates
A Ganesha made with 100 kilograms of dried dates in Sheela Nagar in Visakhapatnam.
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement
A Ganesha made with 100 kilograms of dried dates is being created in Sheela Nagar. The idol is accompanied by an installation of a mouse made with 10 kilograms of black raisins. The unusual choice of material is expected to make the pandal a draw for visitors during the festival. The Ganesha will remain on display for 13 days. Devotees visiting the pandal will also receive dry dates as prasadam. The pandal is set up by the association called Miracle Youth.
Where: Sheela Nagar, Harijana Jaggayyapalem, beside Anganwadi school Duration: 13 days
6,000 shells for Bappa
An eight-foot-tall Ganesha idol made with around 6,000 seashells is displayed as part of an eco-friendly initiative at CMR near Judge Court in Visakhapatnam.
| Photo Credit:
KR Deepak
At CMR Mall in Jagadamba, 6,000 seashells collected from Visakhapatnam Beach have been assembled into an eight-foot Ganesha. The choice of material gives the idol a distinct connection with the city and its coastline.
The organisers describe it as an environment-friendly initiative, with a new theme centred on natural materials selected for the idol each year. Last year, CMR’s Ganesha was made using coconuts.
The seashell Ganesha will be available for visitors to see at CMR, Jagadamba, from September 14.
Where: CMR, Jagadamba When: September 14
A Ganesha of bangles
A massive idol of 99-foot with bangles at Gajuwaka in Visakhapatnam.
| Photo Credit:
SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
Gajuwaka has another unusual Ganesha in store, with bangles being used to create a massive idol that is 99-feet tall. Colourful glass pieces have been arranged to form the familiar figure of the elephant-headed deity. A team of 28 artists worked on the idol to give it a unique appearance.
Where: Gajuwaka When: September 14
Paint your own Ganesha
A person painting a clay Ganesha idol.
| Photo Credit:
Nagara Gopal
Those who would like to take home something they have created themselves can head to 365 Restaurant at Radisson Blu Resort, Visakhapatnam. The restaurant is hosting a ‘Paint Your Own Ganesha‘ experience during brunch hours this weekend.
Participants can create, colour and personalise their own Ganesha idol as part of the festive experience.
Where: 365 Restaurant, Radisson Blu Resort, Visakhapatnam When: September 12 and 13 Time: 12.30pm onwards Contact: 9154891991 / 9154831214
A Tanjore Ganesha
Ganesha Tanjore painting
Zamindari Restaurant is hosting a beginner-friendly Tanjore Ganesha painting workshop on September 12. The three-hour session will introduce participants to the traditional art form known for its rich ornamentation, gold work and jewel-like embellishments, while they work on their own Ganesha painting.
Where: Zamindari Restaurant When: September 12 Time: 3pm to 6pm Level: Beginner-friendly Contact: 8074 284 395 / 8074837196
Make a clay Ganesha
Students making clay Ganesha idols during a workshop.
| Photo Credit:
V Raju
The Peppershot Project is holding a hands-on clay Ganesha-making workshop at The Elephant Restaurant, Vizag, on September 13.
The session focuses on making an eco-friendly Ganesha with clay. Participants can take home the idol they create. The organisers have kept the workshop open to families and groups of friends, with limited slots available. Registrations are through direct message to the organisers.
Where: The Elephant Restaurant, near IT SEZ junction, Rushikonda When: September 13 Time: 10am What: Eco-friendly clay Ganesha-making workshop Registration: Contact Instagram handle @peppershot_project
A plant Ganesha
A 20-foot Maha Sasya Ganapathi, created using 50,000 plants, is set to be a major attraction this Vinayak Chavithi. The pandal is located at Sri Chintamani Ganapathi Datta Kshetram in Sirasapalli. According to the organisers, the installation uses 50,000 living plants and hope the creation will make its mark in the Guinness World Records.
Where: Sri Chintamani Ganapathi Datta Kshetram, Sirasapalli, NH-16, opposite Tadi Railway Station, near Visakhapatnam When: September 14
Plantable Bappa
Aarna Art Studio is hosting an eco-friendly Vinayaka idol-making workshop where participants can make their own Ganesha using natural clay and mixed seeds. After Nimajjanam, the idol can be planted, allowing the seeds embedded in the clay to grow into plants. The workshop is priced at ₹399 per person, with clay, seeds and all required materials included.
When: September 13Where: Aarna Studio, Harbour Park RoadContact: Instagram handle @aarnavizag
Published – September 13, 2026 10:00 am IST
