Akola: This year’s Ganesh festival in Akola is witnessing blend devotion with modern technology. A Ganpati pandal in the city has become the center of attraction by offering 3D Ashtavinayak darshan through Virtual Reality (VR) headsets.The initiative has been introduced by a local company known for its robotics work. Devotees visiting the pandal are given VR headsets, which transport them into the divine ambiance of the Ashtavinayak temples. The experience feels so real that devotees find themselves walking up temple steps, moving around the sanctum, and even witnessing fountains and temple courtyards right in front of their eyes.The response has been overwhelming. Children and elderly are enjoying this unique spiritual-tech experience. For senior citizens, who often find it difficult to travel long distances to visit temples, this innovation has brought darshan to their doorstep.Company director Kajal Rajvaidya said they cim to bring the youngsters closer to modern technologies. “Small cities like Akola are full of talented children, but many cannot afford the heavy costs of training in metros. By combining devotion with technology, we wanted to inspire the younger generation while offering a new experience for devotees,” Rajvaidya said. Visitors also expressed their joy, saying that Ashtavinayak darshan usually requires long journeys, but now the same experience is possible within the city itself.This innovative pandal has set a new benchmark for Ganesh festival celebrations in Akola, where faith and technology come together to create a truly inspiring experience.
