Ganesh Pandals in Cuttack Showcase Bali Yatra Heritage

Pandals Highlight Bali Yatra

At Kesharpur, local businessman Arjun Tibrewal has built a replica of the famed Bali Yatra. The pandal features miniature shops, market stalls, amusement rides and popular food stalls such as dahibara and thunka puri. The structure spans several metres and recreates the bustling lanes of the historic maritime fair.

In Khan Nagar, the Trianga Club has constructed a separate miniature city of Cuttack. Its showcases include scaled‑down versions of the Orissa High Court, Cuttack Railway Station, Dhabaleswar Temple, Netaji Bus Terminal and the Maritime Museum.

Materials and Message

Both installations were assembled from waste and scrap items. According to the creators, the primary materials are cardboard, newspapers, plastic bottles and wood dust. The construction took nearly two months to complete, reflecting a concerted effort by volunteers and artisans.

The pandals also underline traditional eco‑friendly practices. They incorporate the Boita Bandana ritual, a symbolic floating of miniature boats, and convey a message urging national recognition for the Bali Yatra heritage.

A short video on YouTube documents the Kesharpur pandal, showing Arjun Tibrewal explaining the use of waste material and the environmental awareness theme embedded in the display.

Community Response

Social media users have praised the creativity and cultural significance of the pandals. One Instagram comment read, “Superb creativity, stay blessed always bhai.” Another viewer on the same platform expressed, “Very good work brother.” The posts have attracted hundreds of reactions and shares, indicating strong public interest.

Local residents report that the pandals have become a focal point for Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations, drawing crowds who not only worship the deity but also explore the miniature heritage exhibits. Organisers hope the displays will inspire similar initiatives in other towns and reinforce the link between festive celebrations and cultural preservation.

“Superb creativity, stay blessed always bhai.” – Instagram comment on the Bali Yatra pandal post.