Mandals want squares near pandals to be named after Ganesh

Kunal PurohitIf the umbrella body of all Sarvajanik Ganesh mandals has its way, then almost every other locality in the city will have its own ‘Ganesh chowk’ (square).

If the umbrella body of all Sarvajanik Ganesh mandals has its way, then almost every other locality in the city will have its own ‘Ganesh chowk’ (square).

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The Brihanmumbai Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Samanvay Samiti (BSGSS) has now requested the civic body to name squares with Sarvajanik Ganesh mandals as ‘Ganesh chowks’, to commemorate the Ganesh idols in the area.

The Samiti has said that this would be the best tribute to the elephant-headed idol, which brings huge crowds into the locality during the 10-day Ganesh festival.

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has, however, told the Samiti to approach the Mayor, since powers to change the names of roads lie with the corporation.

The Samiti has now written to the mayor Sunil Prabhu, asking him to act on the request. Prabhu was in Singapore on an official tour and hence, was unavailable for comment.

Girish Walawalkar, secretary of the Samiti said, “There are so many localities in the city which are known only because of their Sarvajanik Ganesh mandals, be it Lalbaug, Ganesh Gully or Tilak Nagar. It’s just right to name it after Lord Ganesh.”