Man wearing skull garland, with fire coming from his forehead: The divine fury of Mahadev comes alive through a powerful Shiv Tandav jivant dekhava at Kesariya Mandal, FC Road. (Express Photo)Written by Neha RathodAmid the towering decorations, elaborate lighting and elaborate replicas that compete for attention during Ganeshotsav, some Pune mandals choose a more traditional way to draw crowds — telling a story through live performance.At these pandals, the jivant dekhava is not something visitors merely glance at while proceeding for darshan. Actors in costume, dramatic dialogues, music, lighting and carefully created sets bring a story alive, often making visitors pause for several minutes to watch it unfold. Scene from the ‘Ali Baba and Chalis Chor’ jivant dekhava, where elaborate sets, costumes and live action turn Ganesh darshan into a theatrical experience. (Express Photo)The subjects range from mythology and history to popular tales. Vijay Maruti Mandal in Narayan Peth is presenting the story of Markandeya, while Shivaji Tarun Mandal in Shukrawar Peth has chosen Kantara. At Fani Aali Talim Mandal in Kasba Peth, visitors can watch a presentation based on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s encounter with the British.Mythological narratives feature prominently too. Umbrya Maruti Mandal in Tapkir Galli is presenting the Veerabhadra avatar, while Nimbalkar Talim Mandal in Sadashiv Peth has chosen episodes from the Ramayana. Shivshakti Tarun Mandal in Tulshibaug is staging the Mahishasura Vadh, and Bharat Mitra Mandal in Narayan Peth is presenting Ali Baba and Chalis Chor. Scene from the Kantara-inspired jivant dekhava at Shivaji Tarun Mandal, Shukrawar Peth, where live acting, vibrant costumes and dramatic presentation bring the story alive for Ganeshotsav visitors. (Express Photo)Visitors enjoy the spectacle. “I have seen many Ganpati decorations, but the live performance of Kantara was something different. The acting, costumes and dramatic presentation made us stop and watch the story till the end,” said Sunita Shinde, who visited the pandal.The format also seems to be finding an audience among families with children. Bhagyashree Patil, who visited a mandal with her 11-year-old son for Ganpati darshan, said the Ali Baba and Chalis Chor presentation became an unexpected highlight of their visit.Story continues below this ad“We had gone for Ganpati darshan, but my son was completely drawn to the dekhava. He enjoyed the action and the characters, while I liked the way a familiar story was presented through live acting and sets,” she said. A sadhu holding a trishul: A dramatic fire-breathing act brings the jivant dekhava to life at navnath Tarun Mandal Trust, LBS Road, Sadashiv Peth, captivating Ganeshotsav visitors with its striking visuals and theatrical flair. (Express Photo)Unlike a static tableau, a jivant dekhava demands that the audience stay with the narrative. A scene develops, characters enter, dialogues create anticipation and the next sequence follows. The combination of performers, costumes, sound and lighting transforms the pandal into a temporary theatre.For children especially, these presentations offer a different way of experiencing stories they may otherwise encounter through books, television or conversations at home.The tradition is also deeply connected with Pune’s Ganeshotsav culture, where mandals have long used the festival not only for religious celebrations but also as a community platform for drama, social messages, history and mythology.The writer is an intern with The Indian Express.