16 September,2026 01:54 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Avengers at Mumbai Ganpati pandal. Pics via Instagram
Marvel's superheroes have found an unexpected home at a Mumbai Ganpati celebration. As the city gets into the festive spirit, one pandal celebrating its 50th year has added a dose of superhero fandom to its decor, bringing some of the Marvel Cinematic Universe's biggest characters into the festivities.
Videos from the pandal show several beloved Marvel characters featuring prominently as part of the celebrations. From Iron Man, Captain America and Hulk to Black Widow and Deadpool, the superhero-themed decor has given the traditional festivities a distinctly pop-culture twist.
The characters portrayed by Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Scarlett Johansson and Ryan Reynolds are among the familiar faces featured at the pandal. Other popular Marvel superheroes have also been incorporated into the setup, creating a crossover of sorts between Mumbai's Ganpati celebrations and the MCU.
The timing of the tribute is particularly interesting for Marvel fans. Avengers: Endgame Encore is set to return to Indian cinemas on September 25, bringing the conclusion of the Infinity Saga back to the big screen.
The encore screening arrives ahead of another major chapter in the franchise, with Avengers: Doomsday scheduled to release on December 18. The re-release gives fans an opportunity to revisit the blockbuster finale before the MCU moves into its next phase.
The superhero-themed pandal has also attracted familiar names from the digital space. Content creator Ranveer Allahabadia was spotted at the celebrations, posing alongside a Black Panther figure at the venue.
The appearance of Marvel characters at a traditional Ganpati pandal reflects the way pop culture has become part of festive celebrations, particularly in Mumbai. For a city known for its elaborate Ganpati decorations, incorporating globally recognisable characters adds another layer to the visual spectacle.
For MCU followers, the timing makes the celebration even more relevant. Avengers Endgame remains one of the franchise's most significant films, bringing together several superheroes for the climactic battle against Thanos and marking the end of a major chapter in the MCU.
With Avengers: Endgame Encore arriving in theatres on September 25 and Avengers: Doomsday lined up for December, Marvel fans in India have plenty to look forward to. And in Mumbai, the excitement has already made its way into Ganpati celebrations, where Earth's Mightiest Heroes are sharing the spotlight with Bappa.
