Kalyan: A home Ganeshotsav celebration in Titwala has become a major attraction for devotees, with resident Ratnakar Patil creating a grand mythological tableau that rivals large public festival displays.

Continuing his 29-year-old tradition of designing unique religious and historical themes for his household Ganpati, Patil has recreated the mythological episode of ‘Machhindranath and Mahakalikadevi’s battle’ this year. The detailed display has drawn a large number of visitors from the surrounding areas.

Patil creates such tableaux every year with the aim of bringing the experience of India’s ancient temples and religious stories closer to people who may not be able to visit these places personally. He spends from his own resources to build replicas of temples and depict important mythological events.

This year’s decoration features a grand idol of Goddess Mahakalikadevi, along with a detailed representation of the battle between Machhindranath and the goddess. The elaborate lighting arrangement adds to the spiritual atmosphere, especially during evening hours, giving visitors the feeling of entering a divine world.

Over the years, Patil has created displays based on several famous religious sites and traditions, including Jejuri’s Khandoba temple, Pandharpur’s Vitthal-Rukmini temple, Kedarnath, Tirupati Balaji, Alandi, Sai Baba of Shirdi and the journey from Ayodhya to Rameshwaram.

Preparations begin nearly one-and-a-half months before Ganeshotsav, with support from his family and friends. A community bhandara is also organised during the festival for visitors.