Ganpati Mandap Decoration and Makhar Ideas

12 setups Ganpati decoration Updated 2 Nov

A ganpati mandap decoration gives the seat a frame on all sides, like a small temple in your home. In Maharashtra the same idea is called a makhar, a decorated frame with an arch or dome behind and above the seat.

Below are wooden and pillar mandaps, makhar styles, temple themed frames and compact mandaps that fit a flat. If you prefer a flat wall instead of a frame, see background ganpati decoration. For homemade frames in cardboard and bamboo, see homemade ganpati decoration ideas.

Ganpati Mandap Decoration at Home

A home mandap has four posts, a roof and a raised floor. Pipe or wooden frames from a tent house save a lot of building time.

Unique ganpati mandap decoration with a carved wooden frame and brass bells — **Space**Frame, 4 ft
**Materials**Wooden mandap, brass bells
**Effort**1 hr, 2 people
A carved wooden mandap frame with small brass bells looks rich and lasts a lifetime. Many families pass one down.
**Decor tip:** Polish wood with a little coconut oil a week before. It brings back the shine.

Cloth decoration for ganpati mandap with gold and red draped pillars — **Space**Frame, 4 ft
**Materials**Gold and red cloth
**Effort**1 hr, 1 person
Gold and red cloth wrapped around plain pillars turns a simple frame into a festive mandap.
**Decor tip:** Spiral the cloth upward with a slight overlap each turn; the overlap hides every pipe joint.

Ganpati Makhar Decoration

Ganpati makhar decoration at home ranges from simple arches to tall domes. A makhar sits behind and over the seat.

Ganpati makhar decoration at home with a white and yellow flower dome — **Space**Makhar, 3 ft
**Materials**Dome frame, flowers
**Effort**2 hrs, 1 person
A dome shaped makhar covered in white and yellow flowers is soft and elegant, and works well with artificial flowers.
**Decor tip:** Fill the dome from the bottom up in rows. Rows hide the frame better than random spots.

Ganpati mandap decoration ideas with a mirror work makhar panel — **Space**Panel, 3 ft
**Materials**Mirror work fabric, board
**Effort**1 hr, 1 person
A makhar panel with mirror work and bright embroidery reflects diya light and suits Gujarati and Rajasthani homes.
**Decor tip:** Stretch the fabric over a board and staple at the back. It stays flat and shiny.

Ganpati Mandap Decoration Sizes

Space	Mandap type	Frame size
Side table	Table top frame	2 x 2 ft
Small corner	Curved corner arch or makhar	3 ft wide
Hall corner	Four post or temple frame	4 to 5 ft square
Big hall	Full mandap with stage	6 ft square or more

Carved wooden mandaps and hired temple sets cost the most. Pipe frames from a tent house, cardboard tiers and cloth wraps give the look for much less.

Ganpati Decoration Temple Theme

A temple theme turns the mandap into a small shrine with pillars, a dome and bells. It suits families who want a grand look.

Unique ganpati mandap decoration with a tiered gopuram style top — **Space**Frame, 5 ft tall
**Materials**Card tiers, paint
**Effort**5 hrs ahead
A tiered top inspired by South Indian temple towers gives the mandap height and a striking shape.
**Decor tip:** Build tiers as separate boxes and stack them. It is easier to carry and store.

Ganpati mandap decoration ideas with a carved wooden door frame as the temple — **Space**Frame, 4 ft
**Materials**Old door frame, flowers
**Effort**1 hr, 2 people
An old carved wooden door frame placed behind the seat becomes an instant temple entrance.
**Decor tip:** Check antique and second hand furniture shops for frames. Fix the base with heavy weights.

Compact Ganpati Stage Decoration for Flats

When space is tight, a compact mandap or ganpati stage decoration still gives height and a frame without filling the room.

Ganpati mandap decoration with a table top frame for a small flat — **Space**Side table, 2 ft
**Materials**Table top frame, cloth
**Effort**45 min, 1 person
A table top mandap frame sits on a side table and gives the full mandap look in a 2 ft space.
**Decor tip:** Clamp the frame to the table with two small clamps hidden under the cloth.

Ganpati stage decoration with a compact two tier stage made from crates — **Space**Floor, 3 ft
**Materials**Wooden crates, silk
**Effort**30 min, 1 person
Two wooden crates covered in silk make a compact stage with space for flowers and diyas on the lower tier.
**Decor tip:** Put a non slip mat under the bottom crate. Smooth tiles let crates slide.

Ganpati mandap decoration at home with a curved corner arch and warm lights — **Space**Corner, 3 ft
**Materials**Curved arch, lights
**Effort**1 hr, 1 person
A curved arch that fits into a corner saves space and frames the seat from both walls.
**Decor tip:** Measure the corner angle before buying. Not all room corners are exactly square.

Stability and Safety

Weight or tie every post; people brush past during aarti.
Keep cloth roofs at least 2 ft above any diya.
Use LED lights inside the frame and switch them off at night.
Leave space in front for the family to sit and for visitors to stand.

For flowers on the mandap see flower ganpati decoration; for the full guide see ganpati decoration.

Questions people ask

What is the difference between a mandap and a makhar?

A mandap is a frame with posts and a roof around the seat. A makhar is a decorated arch or dome behind and over the seat, common in Maharashtra. Many families use both together.

How do I make ganpati mandap decoration at home?

Rent or build a pipe or wooden frame, wrap the posts in cloth and flowers, add a silk roof and raise the seat on a platform. It takes two to three hours with two people.