Updated On: 01 September, 2025 07:53 AM IST | Mumbai | Shirish Vaktania
The 6.5-foot idol features Ashtavinayak in the background. The army permits the journey each year and actively joins in the festivities. “We travelled by train till Jammu railway station, and from there, vehicles with army staff escorted us till Poonch,” Isher said

Bappa begins his journey by train from Vidyavihar
Bharat-Pakistan Bordercha Raja, the Ganpati idol from Vidyavihar, Mumbai, reached Poonch village in Jammu & Kashmir to bring festive cheer to soldiers stationed at the Line of Control (LoC). The initiative, led by Kiranbala Isher — popularly known as Isher Didi — has been carried out for years.
Every Ganeshotsav, she carries the idol from Vidyavihar to the border so that soldiers can take darshan and celebrate.
Students from Vidyavihar pose with Bappa