It's Theme Anna for city's Ganpati mandals this year

While high drama unfolds in Delhi, several Ganpati mandals in the city have chosen Anna Hazare and the anti-corruption movement as their theme for this year's Ganeshotsav, which begins on September 1. Aarefa Johari reports.

While high drama unfolds in Delhi, several Ganpati mandals in the city have chosen Anna Hazare and the anti-corruption movement as their theme for this year's Ganeshotsav, which begins on September 1.

HT Image

Sewri's Madhyavarti Ganesh-otsav Mandal will connect its theme of 'Shivshahi-Lokshahi' (Shivaji's era versus today's democracy) to Hazare's fight against corruption. "In Shivaji's time, farmers were looked after. Today, they are committing suicide. Shivaji used his resources for the benefit of his subjects, he didn't stash it away in a Swiss bank account. Today's rulers are looting their own people," said Vijay Indulkar, president of the mandal.

The mandal is also making a 10-minute video on Hazare and the problems of corruption, which will be screened in their pandal.

The Sahyadri Krida Mandal from Tilak Nagar has pledged support to the India Against Corruption movement by cutting down its production costs. "We always put up elaborate decorations, but this time we are reusing material to emphasise that money should not be wasted," said the mandal's joint secretary PG Patil, adding that they would also support Hazare by putting up posters.