From Modaks to Modak-Sharing Guru: Brands Get Festive with Bappa

Ganesh Chaturthi, the ten-day Hindu festival celebrating Lord Ganesha’s arrival, is a time for spiritual hunger and for brands to connect with their customers in India. It is the most popular and widely celebrated festival in India. It is a time for people to unite and celebrate the remover of obstacles and bringer of good fortune. In 2023, brands adopted various creative ways to seek Bappa’s blessings, blending tradition with innovation.

There are many ways in which brands seek Bappa’s blessings. Some of the most common methods include:

• Advertising: Many brands release special Ganesh Chaturthi ads that feature Lord Ganesha and messages of good luck and prosperity. These ads are typically aired on television and radio, and they are also shared on social media.
• Social media: Brands also use social media to connect with customers and seek Bappa’s blessings. They typically do this by posting images and videos of Lord Ganesha and messages of good luck and prosperity.
• Promotions: Many brands also offer special promotions and discounts during Ganesh Chaturthi. This is a way of thanking their customers for their support and seeking Bappa’s blessings for a prosperous year ahead.
• CSR initiatives: Some brands also undertake corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives during Ganesh Chaturthi. This could involve donating to charities, planting trees, or providing clean drinking water to communities.

MG Motors: Honoring Everyday Vignahartas

Morris Garages (MG) Motors chose to celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi with a touching campaign titled OurEverydayVignaharta. This campaign recognized the relentless efforts of the traffic police, who, like Lord Ganesha, help remove obstacles in our daily lives. Through visuals of traffic officers braving rain and traffic chaos, MG Motors conveyed a powerful message of gratitude, set to the rhythmic beats of traditional dhol tasha music.

Pulse: Balancing Tradition and Technology

DS Group’s Pulse brand took an innovative approach by blending tradition with technology in their AI-driven video. The campaign paid tribute to Bal Gangadhar Tilak, a visionary leader who revitalized the significance of Ganesh Chaturthi. Pulse’s campaign showcased Tilak’s role in uniting people through this festival, fostering patriotism and togetherness. It exemplified how modern technology can be harnessed to preserve and celebrate cultural traditions.

Zomato: Delivering Modaks and Smiles

Zomato, known for its creative marketing, surprised audiences with a heartwarming twist in their Ganesh Chaturthi campaign. The video portrayed two siblings on their way to seek Lord Ganesh’s blessings, with the younger brother secretly concerned about missing out on modaks. When they realize they forgot to buy them, the elder sister orders modaks via Zomato. A Zomato delivery person rushes to their rescue, ensuring that Lord Ganesh doesn’t miss his favorite treat. This campaign not only celebrated the festival but also highlighted Zomato’s role in making moments special.

Uber India: Lord Ganesh’s Joyful Arrival

Uber India crafted a whimsical map featuring Lord Ganesh’s vahana, the rat, making its way towards us. The caption, “Aala re aala, Bappa aala!” echoed the excitement and joy associated with the arrival of Lord Ganesh. The brand’s imaginative portrayal not only celebrated the festival but also showcased its cultural sensitivity.

Parle Products: Majestic Festivals, Larger-Than-Life Imagination

Parle Products, a beloved biscuit brand, captured the entire spectrum of the festival, from the grand arrival of Lord Ganesh to the meticulous preparations and heartfelt departure. Their message emphasized the grandeur of festivals and the need for larger-than-life celebrations.

Myntra: Celebrating Relationships and Convenience

Myntra, the online fashion retailer, portrayed a heartwarming father-daughter relationship in their Ganesh Chaturthi 2023 campaign. The daughter enthusiastically molds a Ganesh idol, her dress getting muddy in the process. Witnessing her dedication, her father surprises her with a brand new dress from Myntra, making her day special. This gesture not only celebrated the parent-child bond but also highlighted Myntra’s role in adding joy and convenience to our lives.

Pizza Hut: Combining Modaks with Pizzas

Pizza Hut blended traditional modaks with their signature pizzas, adding a fun and foodie twist to the celebration. This campaign served as a reminder that festivals are a time for creating memorable moments with loved ones.

McDonald’s: Embracing Cultural Diversity

McDonald’s, the global fast-food giant, incorporated their golden arches logo to form the shape of Lord Ganesh, symbolizing happiness and triumph over obstacles. This gesture reflected McDonald’s commitment to embracing cultural diversity and celebrating the essence of this beloved festival.

Tide India: Keeping Clothes Spotless for Blessings

Tide India, the laundry detergent brand, added a twist to this Ganesh Chaturthi by emphasizing the importance of spotless clothing as people prepare to seek Lord Ganesh’s blessings. It’s a reminder that Tide can help keep one’s clothes looking their best even during the festive season.

Burger King: The King of Burgers Honors the Lord of Modak

Burger King, the fast-food chain, paid tribute to Lord Ganesh with a clever wordplay: “The king of burgers bows to the lord of modak.” This humorous twist showcased their reverence for the deity while adding humor to the celebration.

Havells India: Art and Technology Meet

Havells India rolled out its campaign HavellsKeDeva, featuring an OOH campaign where 100 designer fans were assembled to create a unique Lord Ganesh idol. This campaign celebrated the joy and fervor of the Ganesh Chaturthi festival by combining art and technology, leaving viewers mesmerized with its grandeur and visual appeal.

PayU India: Modaks as Universal Currency

PayU India humorously quoted “Ganpati Bappa, chief executive officer of Vighnaharta,” suggesting that modaks should be the universal currency. This playful petition added a lighthearted touch to the festival’s significance.

Swiggy: Lord Ganesh’s Evolution

Swiggy’s Ganesh Chaturthi 2023 campaign traced Lord Ganesh’s evolution from modak mischief-maker to modak-sharing guru, reminding us how we all grow in sweetness. This animated video celebrated the spirit of sharing and togetherness associated with the festival.

Akasa Air: Skyful Blessings

Akasa Air, the aviation company, sought blessings from the skies with clouds transformed into Lord Ganesh when viewed through the aircraft window. This unique celebration included a festive onboard menu, adding a touch of festivity to the skies.

HDFC Bank: Keeping Fortunes Rising

HDFC Bank sought blessings from Lord Ganesh with a simple yet sincere message, wishing for happiness to rise and worries to diminish. Their campaign encouraged keeping interest in aartis, modaks, and celebrations to compound good fortune in life.

As we bid adieu to Lord Ganesh for another year, let’s appreciate the festive marketing of these brands, which not only sold products but also spread smiles and stories. Ganpati Bappa Morya! May these creative campaigns continue invoking blessings and prosperity for all in the coming years!

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