Archive · 13 Sep 2026
Inflation Puts Bhikangaon’s Anant Chaturdashi Tableaux Tradition At Risk
Bhikangaon usually celebrates Anant Chaturdashi with colorful moving displays called tableaux.
These displays share religious, social and patriotic messages.
Ganesh groups begin preparing them months before the festival.
This year, many supplies and services have become much more expensive.
The money collected from members and the public is not enough to pay for everything.
Because of this, some groups may not hold their tableaux.
Organisers worry that children and young people could forget the tradition if it stops.
They are asking officials and community organisations to help pay for it.
Rising costs may force several Bhikangaon Ganesh mandals to skip Anant Chaturdashi tableaux this year.
Organisers say expenses for artists, decorations, lights, sound systems, vehicles and materials have increased sharply.
Member and public contributions no longer cover the cost of staging the moving displays.
Organisers fear younger generations could lose their connection to the tradition if tableaux disappear for years.
Ganesh mandals are seeking fixed financial assistance from the government, public representatives, administration and social organisations.
- Who
- Bhikangaon Ganesh mandals and their organisers, including Mayur Ganesh Mandal, Nagraj Ganesh Mandal and Mahakal Ganesh Mandal.
- What
- Several groups may skip their traditional Anant Chaturdashi tableaux because rising costs have made them unaffordable.
- When
- This year, during the Anant Chaturdashi celebrations.
- Where
- Bhikangaon, Madhya Pradesh.
- Why
- Inflation has increased the costs of artists, decorations, lights, sound systems, vehicles, generators and other materials beyond available contributions and donations.
- Tradition
- Brightly lit streets, crowds and moving tableaux have long marked Anant Chaturdashi in Bhikangaon.
- Main challenge
- Rising costs have made tableaux preparations significantly more expensive.
- Funding gap
- Member and public contributions no longer cover organisers’ expenses.
- Potential impact
- Several organising groups may skip tableaux this year.
- Cultural concern
- Organisers fear younger generations may lose their connection to the tradition if displays stop for a year or two.
- Requested support
- Organisers want fixed financial assistance from the government and support from public representatives, the administration and social organisations.