Ganesha goes grand, again!

Strap: The ongoing Bengaluru Ganesh Utsava leads the 10-day Ganesh Chaturthi festivities with music, devotion & eco-friendly flair.

Blurb:

One of the key factors guiding the festival’s plastic-free celebrations in recent years has been sustainability. The use of a reusable idol of Lord Ganesha, accompanied by a symbolic clay idol immersion, is a step in this direction

 

Byline: Bindu Gopal Rao

What started as a modest street-side celebration near Mallikarjuna Temple soon grew into one of South India’s most beloved festivals. This year’s edition of Bengaluru Ganesh Utsava will feature 11 days of enchanting performances at two venues—the APS College Grounds and the National College Grounds, both in Basavanagudi.

“Over the decades, BGU has evolved into a grand cultural showcase of music, art, food, and devotion, blending traditional rituals with contemporary performances. It has rebranded and expanded under the leadership of the next generation, moved to larger venues to accommodate growing crowds, and taken on a broader social mission—supporting flood relief, education, and underprivileged communities,” says Nandish SM, Festival Director and Managing Trustee of Bengaluru Ganesh Utsava.

In recent years, the festival has also emerged as a pioneer of eco-friendly celebrations, introducing clay idols with Tulsi seeds, banning plastic, and earning a Guinness World Record for the largest clay Ganesha sculpting workshop.

Over the years, BGU has also attracted some of the legendary artists of the country, including Ilaiyaraaja, S.P. Balasubrahmanyam, P.B. Srinivas, and Yesudas, while later editions featured icons such as Sonu Nigam and Shankar Mahadevan.

“The lineup reflects BGU’s philosophy of bringing together legends and fresh talent on one stage. The curation blends classical, devotional, folk, and contemporary acts, ensuring the festival appeals to audiences of all generations. Each year, we also make it a point to feature artists who have a special connection with Bangalore while showcasing performers from across India,” says Gopinath M, Secretary, BGU.

 

Performers speak

The festival’s lineup of musical artistes has always been one of its most anticipated highlights, and this year is no exception. Designed to captivate audiences, the musical programme blends devotional, folk, and contemporary sounds into a seamless, enchanting experience.

Singer Vijay Prakash says, “Performing at Bengaluru Ganesh Utsava always feels like coming home. This year, I’ve put together a set that blends devotional compositions with some of my most loved songs. It’s about connecting with the audience through music that uplifts the spirit.”

Singer Raghu Dixit adds, “For me, BGU is about celebrating our roots with joy and rhythm. Expect an evening where folk meets rock, where every song is about togetherness and energy; it will be a true festive celebration in music.”

Adding to the cultural richness are thematic ensembles and dance productions: Kashi Damaru by Pandit Jagadeesh D. Kurthikoti & troupe, Bhakti Janapada Sangeetha by Savithakka Halli Band, Praveen Godkhindi with Krishna Fusion Band presenting Flute Rocks and Gajamukham – a dance and music narrative by Vinay Varnasai depicting the mystical stories of Lord Ganesha’s appearance.

Other performances include a series of Bhakti Sangeetha concerts by acclaimed singers such as M.D. Pallavi, Lakshmi & Indu Nagaraj, Soorya Gayathri, Sunitha Upadrishta, Pandit Venkatesh Kumar, Vinay Varanasi, and child prodigy Ganga Sasidharan.

“I challenge myself to present something new and special each time, and both the organisers and audiences expect that freshness. What makes BGU truly unique is its audience, who deeply appreciate every form of music—whether classical, folk, or film. This year, I am excited to take them on a special Kannada musical journey, celebrating the rich diversity of Karnataka’s music,” says MD Pallavi.

 

Sustainability at core

One of the key factors guiding the festival’s plastic-free celebrations in recent years has been sustainability. The use of a reusable idol of Lord Ganesha, accompanied by a symbolic clay idol immersion, is a step in this direction.

“The Mantapa designs are created using recyclable materials that are natural, biodegradable, and environmentally safe. Beyond the idol and Mantapa, the festival has adopted green practices across its operations, from reduced plastic usage and energy-efficient lighting to waste segregation and recycling,” says Nataraj TV, President, BGU.

The aim is to celebrate Lord Ganesha in a way that is not only grand and devotional but also mindful of the environment and future generations. This year’s Bengaluru Ganesh Utsava seeks to take its six-decade-long legacy to the next level.

“We’ve curated a lineup that blends the richness of Indian classical traditions with contemporary performances appealing to today’s audiences. At the same time, we remain deeply committed to sustainability and social responsibility, whether through eco-friendly idols, cultural workshops, or supporting local talent. Our vision is to make BGU not just a festival of devotion but a celebration every Bangalorean feels proud to be part of,” adds Nandish SM, Festival Director and Managing Trustee.

For more information and the programme schedule, check www.bgu.co.in.

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Did you know?

The Bengaluru Ganesh Utsava (BGU) started in 1962 with just ₹300, organised by Kannada enthusiasts G.K. Gopal and G.K. Obaiah in Basavanagudi. Their aim? Celebrate Lord Ganesha while promoting Kannada culture. Fast forward 63 years, and BGU has grown into a festival of grand scale, boasting spectacular celebrations and even a Guinness World Record!