In a unique and striking tribute to Lord Ganesh, a club in Odisha’s Sambalpur has created a spectacular 26-foot-tall idol made entirely of fresh apples. The one-of-a-kind statue, built by the Kshetraraipur-based Natraj Club, has become a major attraction for thousands of devotees gathering for the Ganesh Chaturthi festival.
The monumental idol, which weighs an estimated 1,500 kg, was crafted by a dedicated group of 15-16 local businessmen and club members over a period of two months. The apples, sourced from Himachal Pradesh, were meticulously arranged to form the intricate details of Lord Ganesh’s form. This creative venture was undertaken to mark the club’s Golden Jubilee celebration, with a broader message of promoting health and sustainability.
“Since it’s our 50th year, we wanted to do something extraordinary,” said Gopal Pansari, a senior club member. “After the celebration, we plan to distribute all the apples to the needy as prasad. No apple will go to waste.” The club is known for its tradition of crafting idols from unconventional and eco-friendly materials, including bananas and coconuts, each with a social theme.
The idol’s construction is a testament to the community’s collective effort, as all expenses were voluntarily shared among the members without any public donations. The worship of the statue will continue until September 4, after which the apples will be distributed. The innovative approach has not only created a visually stunning masterpiece but also highlighted a commitment to artistic expression, environmental consciousness, and community welfare during the festive season.
