Odisha Miniature Artist Crafts a 9‑Inch Ganesh Pandal from Waste Materials

In the bustling lanes of Gopinathpur, Hat Bazaar, Jatni, a small but determined hand has been busy for a week. L. Eshwar Rao – the name many in Odisha associate with intricate miniature art – decided this Ganesh Puja would be a little different.

Instead of the usual glossy decorations, Rao gathered bits of waste paper, stray cardboard, old thread and a handful of other discarded bits that most of us toss away without a second thought. Over seven long days, he coaxed those unwanted scraps into a delicate, nine‑inch‑tall Ganesh pandal. It’s tiny – barely the length of a child’s hand – but the effort behind it was anything but small.

Inside the makeshift shrine sits a two‑inch stone idol of Lord Ganesh, perched like a jewel. Rao says the stone figure was the only “non‑waste” piece he allowed himself, just to keep the spirit of the tradition alive.

“Every year I try to surprise people with something new for Ganesh Puja,” Rao told us, chuckling a little. “This time I thought, why not use what people throw away? It felt right.” He admits the process was a little messy – glue smudges on his fingers, bits of cardboard that wouldn’t stay flat – but the end result was worth every stray paper clip.

Beyond the novelty, Rao’s tiny pandal carries a louder message. He urges friends and neighbours to ditch plastic and plaster of Paris when they decorate for the festival, reminding everyone that celebrations need not come at the planet’s expense.

His work has always attracted attention for the minute details he can pack into such a small canvas. This year, however, the eco‑twist adds a fresh layer of relevance. As families across Odisha set up grand pandals and chant prayers, Rao’s nine‑inch masterpiece sits quietly, a reminder that even the smallest gestures can spark big changes.

So, while the city lights blaze and drums echo, perhaps we’ll all pause for a moment, glance at the little pandal made of waste, and think about how we might celebrate a little greener next year.