India, Sept. 1 -- While the artistic dekhavas put up by Ganesh pandals across the city have always drawn crowds, this is the first time Ganesh mandals have put a commercial spin on them - from VIP passes to ticketed theme shows to wish ponds - to both cover rising costs and create new opportunities for channelling funds towards community welfare.

At the forefront of these innovations is the Shanipar Ganpati Mandal in the Sadashiv Peth area, where the spectacular underwater Dwarka Dekhava has emerged among the city's most visited attractions. Queues extended over 4 km over the weekend as thousands waited for their turn to behold the breathtaking theme. To ease the rush, the mandal has introduced VIP passes at Rs.100 a piece which allow se...