Author:
Publication: Sahara Samay
Date: September 15, 2007
URL: http://www.saharasamay.com/samayhtml/Articles.aspx?NewsId=84741
Millions of people here are celebrating the Ganapati festival, a 10-day event beginning today that will see groups across the city vying to create the most colourful and attractive marquees.
At least 8,000 to 9,000 'Ganesh Mandals' have been formed in the city and on the final day of festivities, the idols of the elephant-headed god will be taken in a large procession for immersion in rivers in keeping with traditional rituals.
The local Mandals vying with each other to put up the big idols, are in no mood to deviate from the traditional public celebration of installing 20-30 feet high idols.
Police have tightened security ahead of the festival but for nothing will dampen the celebratory mood for the remaining denizens of Mumbai.
The festival begins with the installation of idols by households and by the Mandals. According to Maharashtrian almanacs, there is no specific 'muhurat' for the ritual and the installation can be done at any time during the day.
The household Ganesha can be immersed even after one-and-half days -- which suits the hectic life-style of Mumbai -- but the 'Sarvanjanik Ganesh Mandals' (community Ganeshas) will be on exhibit for 10 days.
The Sarvajaneek Ganeshotsav Samanvay (Coordination)
Committee has around 8,500 mandals as its constituents.
Prominent among these are Lalbagcha Raja Mandal, GSB Seva Mandal, Keshavji
Naik Chawl Mandal in Girgaum, Andhericha Raja Mandal in Andheri and Sahyadri
Krida Mandal in Tilaknagar.
Lalbagcha Raja, in Lower Parel in central Mumbai, is the the most popular Ganpati as devotees believe it fulfils their wishes. Last year, it drew 10 lakh visitors every day, the Mandal claims.
Naik Chawl Ganpati was the one where Lokmanya Tilak started the community Ganesh festival.
Lord Ganesha, affectionately called Ganapati, is commonly depicted in homes and offices throughout India as a chubby, smiling and a little mischievous God. His devotees attribute the ability to impart wisdom and wealth upon humans, thus making him perhaps the most popular deity in the Hindu pantheon.