Bhubaneswar, September 9, 2026: The historic Badagada Ganesh Mahotsav is all set to celebrate Lord Ganesha with unprecedented grandeur from September 14 to 22, 2026. At a press conference held today, the organisers announced that this year’s Mahotsav will feature a magnificent Ganesh idol, billed as the tallest Ganesh idol in Odisha.
The festival is being organised by the Badagada Gramabasi Brunda, Bright Star Youth Association and Badagada Ganesh Mahotsav Committee. The idol, inspired by the famous Lalbaug style of Maharashtra, will be adorned with a diamond-studded Chita, two silver Padukas and a silver Mushika Vahana. A special 63-kg Bundia Laddu will be offered to Lord Ganesha and distributed among devotees after the immersion ceremony.
A major attraction this year will be the use of natural colours for the idol. Artisans from Jatni, Cuttack and Kolkata are involved in the idol-making process. Soil, bamboo and straw have been sourced from Trishulia, Cuttack. A special handwoven garment worth around Rs.62, 000, prepared by weaver Bhagaban Meher of Sonepur, will also adorn the deity. The Mahotsav, which began in 1985, has witnessed steady growth in the size of the idol.
The organisers have made elaborate arrangements for disciplined darshan, including separate queues for men and women and wheelchairs and battery-operated vehicles for senior citizens and persons with disabilities. Police control rooms will be established at two strategic locations, with CCTV surveillance and coordination among the Commissionerate Police, organisers and local residents.
The celebrations will also feature a German-hanger pandal and mini pagoda, more than 200 commercial stalls, a mini-market and amusement attractions. The entire stretch from Badagada Gram Chhak to Kalpana Chhak will be illuminated with decorative lighting.
As part of the celebrations, daily live musical programmes will be held from September 14 to 18 and September 20, featuring noted Odia artistes. September 19 will feature Prasad Sevan and Bhajan Samaroh, with Khichdi Prasad being distributed daily and an Ananda Bazaar for around 10,000 devotees on the day.
The organisers have reiterated that the immersion ceremony will be alcohol-free and DJ-free, with water tankers arranged for the ceremonial immersion of the giant idol.
Sangram Martha, President of the Bright Star Youth Association and Ganesh Mahotsav Committee, appealed to devotees and residents to extend their cooperation and maintain peace, discipline and harmony throughout the Mahotsav.
