Ganesh Chaturthi is one of India’s most celebrated festivals, blending devotion, creativity, and community. In recent years, brands have tapped into this festive spirit with campaigns that go beyond traditional advertising, merging emotion with storytelling and innovation. Here are five standout Ganesh Chaturthi ad campaigns that truly left their mark.
- Brooke Bond Red Label – #ShreeGaneshApnepanKa
Brooke Bond Red Label has long been known for campaigns that promote unity, and this Ganesh Chaturthi initiative was no exception. The film revolved around a buyer reluctant to purchase a Ganesh idol because of religious bias. The sculptor’s simple yet profound response, “This is also worship” broke barriers and struck at the heart of prejudice. Through this campaign, Red Label reinforced its positioning as a brand that encourages togetherness, while tying it beautifully to the festival’s inclusive spirit.
- Swiggy Instamart – Modak Dispenser
Swiggy Instamart brought innovation and joy to the streets of Mumbai with its experiential campaign. A mobile modak dispenser was set up at Carter Road, where people could get instant sweets by ringing a bell, “Ghanti Vajwa, Mithai Milwa.” With a QR code that linked to all festival essentials, the campaign seamlessly combined tradition and technology. It wasn’t just about convenience; it created a sense of festive excitement, making Swiggy part of family celebrations.
- Pulse Candy – “Meri Bhakti Mere Bappa”
Pulse Candy took a bold and tech-savvy approach with its AI-driven campaign. The brand invited devotees to visualise Lord Ganesha through AI-generated avatars, showcasing unique representations of faith and imagination. Adding to the creativity, modak idols were crafted using 35,000 Pulse candies, which were later redistributed post-celebration. The campaign merged art, devotion, and sustainability, appealing especially to younger audiences while retaining a spiritual undertone.
- Renault India – Rethink the Familiar
Renault India’s campaign turned everyday objects into artistic depictions of Lord Ganesha. Clouds, tree bark, and other natural elements were framed through the journey of a Renault Triber, showing how divinity can be seen in the simplest of places. The idea encouraged viewers to pause, reflect, and find the divine in their surroundings. For the brand, it was a clever way of connecting spirituality with the theme of discovery and travel.
- Berger Paints – #PaintYourImagination
Berger Paints approached Ganesh Chaturthi with a message of inclusivity and creativity. The ad told the story of a young boy who, after being denied an idol due to caste bias, decided to paint one himself. His act of imagination inspired the community to come together in celebration. With strong visual storytelling and an emotional core, Berger managed to associate its product with empowerment, acceptance, and joy.
Why These Campaigns Worked
What made these campaigns memorable was their ability to strike a balance between cultural authenticity and brand storytelling. Each tapped into the festive ethos of Ganesh Chaturthi, whether by promoting inclusivity, encouraging creativity, or adding a modern twist to tradition. By celebrating not just Lord Ganesha but also the values of unity, innovation, and imagination, these campaigns stood out as more than advertisements; they became part of the festival itself.
By: Sushrut Tewari, a writer covering trends, innovation, and brand storytelling in India and beyond.
