At pandals, on canvas and in stone, it’s Ganesha everywhere

The city, where the celebration of Ganesh puja as a festival of mass appeal is believed to have originated, is immersed in the spirit of Ganeshotsav and the deity is the reigning theme in houses, at mandals along the streets, in modaks, the favourite dish of the Lord.

Art galleries are not far behind.

In his 130th solo exhibition 'Ganesha' at the Art2Day Gallery in Camp, 71-year-old artist Murli Lahoti is hosting his works on the elephant-headed Lord. An exhibition at Tilting Art Gallery and another at Sanskrutik Bhavan have the same theme.

Lahoti who has exhibited his work in cities in India and abroad, is displaying the paintings of Ganpati in his home city Pune from September 20 to 30, coinciding with the festival.

"Ganesha has always been one of my favourite subjects. This time the exhibition takes a special meaning as it has been timed with the Ganeshotsav," says the artist. "Whether a painter or a dancer or singer, everyone begins their art with a dedication to Ganesha. A dancer will always begin their programme with the Ganesh Vandana. Similarly, this exhibition is a way for my to dedicate my art to Ganpati," added Lahoti.

Sanjeev Pawar, director, Art2Day says the fact that the Ganpati festival originated in Pune makes the festival all the more significant in the city. "People travel from all over the state and sometimes the country to witness the festival in Pune. The spirit and the culture here is different and exhibitions like these are an opportunity for artists to contribute to the spirit of the festival." Lahoti's multi-media art includes paintings in watercolour, oil and acrylic paitings and collages. They depict different forms and moods of the deity, from intense concentration to a mood showing mirth, like Ganesh dancing garba.

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