Only these four Mumbai mandals followed all the rules this Ganeshotsav

While the biggest mandals are also the most respected ones, year after year, the lesser-known mandals display a greater sense of responsibility

Four Ganesh mandals in the city have been recognised by the Brihanmumbai Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Samanvay Samiti (BSGSS) — the umbrella body of Ganesh mandals in Mumbai— for following rules on idol height, cleanliness, safety measures for devotees and abiding by noise rules during the 11-day festival.

Vikas Mandal Sai Vihar Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav in Bhandup, Kaalewadi Sarvajanik Utsav Mandal in Kalachowki, Keshavji Naik Chawl Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal in Girgaum and Panchganga Sarvajanik Utsav Mandal, Lower Parel followed the norms prescribed by the Samiti before the festival.

“All these mandals made sure that the height of the idol was below 18 feet, the idols were made from materials such as shadu clay or paper [that are less damaging to the environment], adequate lighting for the safety of devotees and cleanliness,” said Naresh Dahibhavkar, president, BSGSS.

He added that while the biggest mandals are also the most respected ones, year after year, the lesser-known mandals display a greater sense of responsibility. “The manner in which long queues have been regulated and provided facilities such as food, water and washrooms is commendable. The mandals have been conducting health and awareness camps throughout the year as opposed to last minute preparations,” said Dahibhavkar.

Vikas Mandal Sai Vihar Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal, Bhandup

One of the only mandals in the city that does not use orchestras and DJs or burst firecrackers while bringing the idol or during immersion every year.

“Instead we sing bhajans (prayers). The main idea is to reduce noise pollution in Mumbai. Our five-foot idol is an eco-friendly one made from clay. We use a fogging machine to reduce the chances of catching diseases,” said Amod Karanje, secretary of Vikas Mandal Sai Vihar Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav in Bhandup.

Read: Three make 11 eco-friendly Ganesh idols using 3.55L tissue papers

Kaalewadi Sarvajanik Utsav Mandal, Kalachowki

With Mumbai being adjudged as the noisiest city in India, this mandal decided to make noise pollution their primary theme this year.

“We put up boards and messages educating people about health problems related to noise pollution,” said Ramesh Kale, president of G.D. Ambedkar Marg (Kaalewadi) Sarvajanik Utsav Mandal in Kalachowki. “During immersion, devotees joining the procession are not allowed to have alcoholic beverages or drugs and even the use of colours (gulaal) is banned.”

Keshavji Naik Chawl Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal, Girgaum

Started in 1893, this is the oldest mandal in the city that celebrates in the most traditional manner. It is also one of the few mandals that has never missed celebrating the festival.

“We follow the rules because they are not meant to be broken,” said Jitendra Chother, secretary of the mandal. “We have minimum decorations. Our idol is also just above two feet. We don’t play music so there is no chance of noise pollution.”

Panchganga Sarvajanik Utsav Mandal, Lower Parel

Panchganga Sarvajanik Utsav Mandal in Lower Parel celebrated the festival in a unique manner by sharing social messages as their theme. “Specially-abled people performed evening worship (aartis) on all the days to spread the message that God is for everyone. We also offered only freshly-made traditional sweets (Prasad) to the elephant god instead of already made, stored prasad,” said Sumeet Patil, art director of the mandal.