Pune: Ready-Made Ganpati Makhars Offer Convenience As Festive Preparations Intensify

As Ganeshotsav preparations approach their final phase in Pune, pre-decorated Ganpati makhars and artificial floral backdrops are gaining popularity among families and office-goers who desire an attractive festive setup without dedicating extensive hours to decoration. Stalls in Swargate and Peth areas are showcasing an assortment of ready-made arrangements, including decorative leaves, peacock feathers, dried grass, fabric backdrops, and ornamental hangings, priced at ₹1,000, ₹2,200, and ₹5,000 or more, contingent on design, size, and materials employed.

Smaller arrangements, ideal for compact home spaces, cater to those with limited areas, while larger floral arches and elaborate mandaps are sought after by customers aiming for more prominent decorations. Shop owner Ramesh Shinde noted the increasing demand for decorations that can be swiftly installed, highlighting how ready-made makhars alleviate the need to purchase materials individually and assemble the complete setup.

Floral backdrops and compact mandap sets are especially popular among families residing in apartments.

Mahesh Jagtap, another vendor, observed an interest in colorful floral arrangements that can be reused. Artificial flowers, he explained, retain their appearance throughout the festival and can be stored for future occasions, making them a preferred choice among buyers. Customers are actively comparing designs and prices before making their purchases.

Sunil Pawar, a proprietor with two decoration outlets, explained that busy individuals often lack the time to craft decorations at home. A ready-made set allows them to select, transport, and arrange the decorations around the idol with minimal effort. Vijay Kadam, who crafts floral mandaps, noted that preparation of these sets demands significant manual labor, taking anywhere from two to three hours for smaller arrangements and half a day or more for larger ones.

The process involves artificial flowers, foam or board backdrops, wooden or metal supports, fabric, decorative grass, wires, adhesive, and ornamental accessories. Larger designs necessitate more material and meticulous finishing work.

Customers cited convenience and aesthetic appeal as key reasons for opting for these products. Abhijeet Shukla, a customer, shared that his demanding job precludes him from spending an entire day making a makhar, and ready-made decoration sets enable him to prepare the puja space swiftly. Kiran Shinde added that these sets offer a variety of designs at budget-friendly prices, enabling customers to select based on their budget and available space.

Basic Ganpati decoration kits range from ₹335 to ₹863, while comprehensive decoration services in Pune are priced from approximately ₹3,399 to over ₹20,000, depending on the design and installation requirements.