Jersey no. 18 ganesha? RCB-themed idols dominate Bengaluru’s ganesha festival this year

The countdown to Ganesh Chaturthi has begun, and in Bengaluru, the spirit of celebration is taking a sporty turn. This year, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) fever has made its way from stadiums to streets, straight into the heart of festival preparations, with RCB-themed Ganesha idols becoming the talk of the town.

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In areas near Yeshwanthpur, idol makers are working overtime to meet a unique demand: Ganeshas styled like cricketers, complete with RCB jerseys and bats. One of the most popular designs features Lord Ganesha wearing Jersey No. 18, a tribute to Virat Kohli, and holding a bat as if ready to take the next big shot. Even the Mooshika, Ganesha’s traditional mount , is getting a sporty makeover, dressed in RCB colours and carrying a miniature trophy.

Though Ganesh Chaturthi is still a month away, nearly 80% of the RCB-themed idols have already been pre-booked, according to local artisans. Some of these idols are priced as high as Rs 80,000, depending on detailing and size. Yet, the demand continues to surge, especially from younger devotees and cricket fans who want their faith and fandom to come together in one grand celebration.

Artisans say this is the first year they’ve seen such overwhelming interest in cricket-inspired idols. “Customers aren’t even asking what other models we have, they walk in and say ‘We want the RCB Ganesha,’” said one idol maker near the market.