An artist’s unique tribute to Lord Ganesha has captured widespread attention online after she created a five-foot-tall idol using 1,100 notebooks. The artwork, named ‘Gyan Ganesha’, has drawn admiration from social media users while also sparking discussions about the traditional visarjan ritual and the reuse of materials.
Artist Aditi Mittal shared a video on Instagram documenting the creation process of the unconventional idol. The video shows how stacks of notebooks were transformed into a detailed representation of Lord Ganesha, often referred to by devotees as Bappa.
According to Mittal, the idea behind the project was inspired by the connection between knowledge and Lord Ganesha, who is widely regarded as the deity of wisdom. She said she wanted to explore what could happen if “the books that shape our future” were reimagined as the God of wisdom.
The project eventually resulted in a five-foot-tall idol made from 1,100 notebooks. Mittal explained that the construction involved much more than simply stacking books together. Each notebook had to be carefully positioned to ensure the structure could support additional layers.
To create the fine details of the idol, pages were folded and shaped into intricate elements, including the crown, ears, trunk and hands. The meticulous craftsmanship has been widely praised by viewers online, helping the artwork gain significant attention across social media platforms.
Beyond its artistic appeal, the creation also prompted conversations about how such an idol would be treated after festivities conclude. Many users raised questions about visarjan and the future use of the notebooks incorporated into the structure.
Addressing those concerns, Mittal explained the religious significance of the ritual. She noted that after prayers are completed, the idol is regarded as a physical form once the divine presence is respectfully invited to depart. This, she said, allows the materials used in the artwork to be reused or donated.
The combination of creativity, symbolism and sustainability has made ‘Gyan Ganesha’ a standout festive artwork, drawing praise for its innovative use of educational materials while encouraging broader discussions about tradition and resource conservation.