Ganeshotsav 2026: Nagpur pandals you must visit this year

Bappa has arrived, and Nagpur is all set to celebrate Ganeshotsav. The city's old and well-known Ganesh mandals have transformed their neighbourhoods into beautiful pandals adorned with devotion, architecture, mythological stories, culture and imagination. This year, some have recreated the Alandi temple, others have drawn inspiration from Sri Lanka's golden chariot, while some pandals feature themes like Hogwarts, Disneyland and Govardhan Parvat. If you are planning to visit pandals this year, do not miss these special ones in Nagpur.

The Shri Dakshinamurti Swayamsevak Ganeshotsav Mandal in the Mahal area has a tradition over a hundred years old. This year, the mandal has built a replica of Pune's Alandi temple, marking the 750th birth anniversary of Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj. The main attraction at this pandal is a 14-foot-tall Ganesh idol, and the temple's architecture combined with Alandi's spiritual atmosphere makes it one of central Nagpur's finest traditional pandals.

Another major attraction in Mahal is the pandal of Shri Pataleshwar Ganeshotsav Mandal, which is celebrating its 71st Ganeshotsav this year. The mandal has built a pandal inspired by the Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil temple in Jaffna, Sri Lanka, featuring a grand replica of that temple's famous golden chariot and Dravidian-style architecture. It has a nearly 12-foot-tall Ganesh idol, which people fondly call the "King of Mahal".

For children and families, the Vivekananda Nagar Ganesh Utsav Sanskrutik Seva Trust has built a magnificent pandal based on a Disneyland theme, about 75 feet tall and 120 feet wide. It took artists several weeks to prepare. The pandal offers colourful characters and plenty of photo opportunities.

For Harry Potter fans, the most distinctive pandal of the season has been built by the Ganesh Utsav Mandal in Ramkrishna Nagar. It showcases magical Hogwarts elements such as the Great Hall, hostel, moving staircases and a library. The library houses the Ganpati Bappa idol, adding a touch of Indian literature and mythology. Flying shadows on broomsticks and characters like Hagrid and Buckbeak make this pandal even more special.

For those fond of mythological stories, the pandal of Tatya Tope Nagar Nagrik Mandal Ganesh Utsav Samiti is a must-see, with a Govardhan Parvat theme this year. It depicts Lord Krishna lifting the mountain to save the people and animals of Vrindavan, along with scenes from Krishna Janma, Makhanchori, Kaliya Mardan, Kansa Vadh, Sudama's visit and Raas Leela.

Near Zenda Chowk in Dharampeth, the Shri Ganesh Utsav Mandal has turned a lane into Lord Vishnu's "Vaikunthadham", featuring scenes such as Sheshnag and Samudra Manthan along with a grand replica of Vaikunthadham. As every year, this pandal also features a Ramayana tableau based on Ram, Sita and Hanuman.

The Shri Sarvajanik Bal Ganesh Utsav Mandal in Bhende Layout has chosen the theme "Science and Technology of Ancient India" this year, featuring handmade structures, intricate ironwork, pillars and moving mechanical parts. The pandal's theme is "Vidnyan, Dharma, Atmashuddhi", linking knowledge, spirituality and scientific achievements.

For something completely different, visit the pandal of Trimurti Nagar's Yuvak Ganesh Mandal, themed "Elements of the Universe". Instead of replicating a temple or historic building, it presents a world of imagination with unique creatures and unusual scenes, placing Nagpur at its centre.

If you do not have time to visit all eight pandals, here is a short guide: Dakshinamurti Mandal in Mahal for architecture, Pataleshwar Mandal in Mahal for devotion, Vivekananda Nagar's Disneyland for families, Ramkrishna Nagar's Hogwarts for the young, Tatya Tope Nagar's Govardhan Leela for mythology, Dharampeth's Vaikunthadham for traditional grandeur, Bhende Layout's science-and-technology pandal for knowledge, and Trimurti Nagar's pandal for something different.

This year, Nagpur residents need not limit themselves to a single pandal and can plan their own Ganpati pandal trail. Start from the historic Mahal area, which has several traditional and architectural attractions, then move on to the pandals in Dharampeth, Vivekananda Nagar, Ramkrishna Nagar, Tatya Tope Nagar, Bhende Layout and Trimurti Nagar. Go with family, visit the pandals, seek Bappa's blessings and appreciate the hard work of hundreds of artists, volunteers and mandal members. Because Ganeshotsav in Nagpur is not just about bringing Bappa home, the entire city becomes Bappa's home. Ganpati Bappa Morya!