Nagpur: In a gesture aimed at resolving mounting controversy, the Rudra Ganesh Utsav Mandal in Jaripatka has conducted an early visarjan of their artistic Ganesh idol after some devotees claimed that the design hurt their religious sentiments here, on Thursday. The metallic idol, installed on Shrungi Mahavir Marg, had initially gained widespread attention for its unique craftsmanship, blending clay and metal, and had even garnered over 7.7 millions views on an Instagram reel shared by the mandal.

The installation, admired by many, had attracted large crowds of devotees during Ganesh Chaturthi this year. However, the idol’s unconventional portrayal of Lord Ganesh drew criticism from a section of devotees who found it offensive. Concerned about the idol’s impact on religious sensibilities, they lodged a formal complaint with the Jaripatka Police.

Jaripatka Police Inspector Arun Kshirsagar confirmed the complaint, stating, “Some devotees approached us, expressing that the portrayal of Lord Ganesh by the Rudra Ganesh Utsav Mandal hurt their religious sentiments. After consulting with the mandal, they voluntarily decided to conduct an early visarjan to defuse the situation.”

The controversy highlights the delicate balance artists face between creative expression and respecting religious sentiments. While the idol's innovative design was widely praised, the episode underscores the need for sensitivity when representing revered deities in non-traditional ways.

As the vibrant beats of dhol-tasha and clouds of gulal marked the visarjan ceremony, it was clear that this year's Ganeshotsav, like many before it, was a blend of devotion, creativity, and the challenges of navigating public sentiment in increasingly sensitive times.