Pune Ganeshotsav 2026: Horror-Jungle-Themed Ganpati Pandal Adds Adventure to Devotion
Reported by Radhika Sharma and Rishi Sahu
Ravivar Peth, 18th September 2026: Ganpati pandals in Pune have taken on a range of themes this year, but one installation is standing out for turning the traditional darshan experience into an adventure. The Uday Mandal Trust’s horror jungle-themed pandal has been attracting attention on social media for its immersive setting and live characters.
Designed to give visitors the feeling of stepping into a jungle adventure, the pandal combines Ganpati darshan with elements of suspense and horror. Live actors dressed in costumes form part of the experience, adding an unexpected theatrical element to the visit.
The theme has particularly caught the attention of children, who get to experience the pandal almost like a small theme park rather than a conventional festive decoration. From the jungle setting to the costumed characters, the installation is designed to keep visitors engaged as they make their way through the space.
For the Uday Mandal Trust, however, bringing the idea to life was a relatively quick exercise. According to Vishal Garud, former president of the Uday Mandal Trust, the entire pandal was executed in just a week.
“We managed to execute this pandal in a week, and it was all based on a collective vote by the entire trust that we could finalise the theme and the implementation,” Garud said.
The decision to go with the horror jungle concept was therefore taken collectively by the trust, with the execution focusing on creating an environment that could offer something different to devotees visiting for darshan.
The use of live performers is among the elements that sets the pandal apart. Rather than relying only on lights, decorations and structures, the actors add movement and interaction to the setting, making the experience more engaging for visitors.
The pandal comes at a time when Pune’s Ganeshotsav celebrations are seeing increasingly elaborate and unconventional themes. Across the city, mandals have created installations ranging from replicas of historic and religious landmarks to imaginative and immersive settings, with several gaining traction on social media.
For visitors, the Uday Mandal Trust’s installation offers a different way to experience the festival, one where the excitement of exploring a themed setting becomes part of the journey to Bappa.
