Pune: Malpani’s Bakelite’s Gauri Ganapati Sajawat Contest garnered tremendous participation from various districts across Maharashtra and from states across India, marking a successful celebration of creativity and tradition.
The Ganesh Festival, known for its deep cultural significance, was the perfect backdrop for this unique competition, which featured categories for Gauri Ganapati decoration and Prasad preparation.
Participants displayed a high level of artistic expression and traditional craftsmanship, with the event fostering a sense of togetherness among families and communities.
Akash Rajendra Pawar, hailing from Balajinagar, Pune, was crowned the overall winner of the contest, which saw entries from across Maharashtra, including cities like Pune, Mumbai, Thane, Kolhapur, Sangli, Satara, and Nashik, among others.
Additionally, the contest attracted participants from other states, such as Gujarat, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Telangana, showcasing its growing appeal beyond regional boundaries.
The judging criteria for the competition focused on four main parameters:
Traditional Elements: Contestants employed classic cultural motifs such as rangolis and traditional materials, recreating historical themes like Samudra Manthan and the origin of Lord Ganesha as Ekdanta.
Aesthetic Appeal: Many participants highlighted replicas of famous Indian temples, including Kedarnath, Sonyachi Jejuri, and the iconic Dagdusheth Mandir.
Handcrafted Creativity: A significant portion of the decorative items was handmade, using eco-friendly materials such as jute, peanuts, and Shaadu maati to emphasize sustainable practices.
Unique Concepts: Participants demonstrated remarkable originality through creative installations featuring miniatures and multimedia presentations, including themes like the inauguration of Pune Metro and Shahu Palace Theatre.