Hubballi: A Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav pandal in Vidyanagar has drawn attention for using this year’s Ganesha festival celebrations to promote awareness about cow protection, or gou raksha, through a series of themed displays and installations.Organised by Shri Balgajana Yuvak Mandali, the pandal features replicas of a gaushala and a slaughterhouse, along with exhibits depicting cattle rearing, milking and agricultural activities. Volunteers stationed at the venue guide visitors through the displays and explain the theme and message behind the installations.A major attraction is a prominent tableau depicting Lord Ganesha protecting a cow from slaughter. The installation has become a focal point for devotees and visitors attending the celebrations.Organisers said the initiative is part of the mandal’s long-standing practice of highlighting social and public issues through thematic presentations during Ganeshotsav. This year’s awareness drive seeks to use the large festival footfall to encourage discussion on cow protection and related concerns.Anup Nowli, president of Shri Balgajana Yuvak Mandali, said the theme was chosen following recent calls from several groups seeking a nationwide ban on cow slaughter. He said the organisers wanted to reach families and young visitors through simple visual representations that could be easily understood by people of all ages.According to Nowli, the pandal was built by 45 members of the mandali, drawn from different professions, without external expert assistance. The team spent more than 45 days creating the installations and displays.Organisers said explanations are provided at every section, allowing visitors to better understand the theme and its message.
