As the coffers of the Lalbaugcha Raja in Parel, Mumbai’s most visited pandal, were opened on Thursday evening , the organisers found Rs1,10,000 in demonetised Rs1,000 notes.
This year, the donations are expected to be lower than last year’s Rs8 crore. “The heavy rain during the festival and demonetisation affected the collection a bit. Like every year, we will use the money for social causes,” said Balasaheb Kamble, president, Lalbaugcharaja Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal.
While the counting is still on, the collection so far is Rs5.8 crore in cash, 5.5 kg of gold and 70kg of silver.
Speaking about the demonetised currency, Kamble said they don’t question anyone’s intention as the devotee would have donated the money out of devotion.
“We just want to report that we have received a particular amount in old currency. We will try to exchange it if possible, beyond that we can’t do much,” Kamble said.
{{/usCountry}}“We just want to report that we have received a particular amount in old currency. We will try to exchange it if possible, beyond that we can’t do much,” Kamble said.
{{/usCountry}}The counting will be completed by Friday, after which the mandal will auction the items on Saturday.
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