MUMBAI: As the festival of
Ganeshotsav
approaches on September 13, two
mandals
—one in Thakurdwar and the other in Borivli—are getting ready to celebrate their golden
jubilee
this season. Both mandals have chosen to create a palace decor to mark the moment.
Borivlicha Raja of Shiv Mitra Mandal is located outside
Borivli
station. “We have designed a peacock style Mayur Mahal. Our beautiful idol is sculpted by Rajan Khatu and the spectacular decoration of Mayur Mahal is designed by art director Aman Vidhate,” said spokesman Pratik Pradhan.
Various cultural programmes will be organized for the 10-day festival. “We are also lending a helping hand to the Adivasi community with free distribution of notebooks to needy students, free medical and eye camps, felicitation of meritorious students and cleanliness campaigns. Our
golden
jubilee has a heart, not just pomp and show.”
Meanwhile, a grand Peshwa-style palace is being erected to mark 50 years of the Shree Dutta Mandir Ganeshotsav in Thakurdwar. “Fifty women from our chawl are practising to perform the lezim dance to welcome the deity. They will wear nine-yard saris for the procession,” said president Atul VedPathak.
Some seniors who founded the mandal in 1969 are around to recount their stories. The festivities will include an 11
Ganesh Pujan, where 11 couples will perform rituals dedicated to myriad forms of the Lord.
VedPathak says there are 60 houses comprising 350 residents at the wadi. “From children to elders, every household of all communities joins in enthusiastically. In keeping with the authenticity of the 17th century Peshwa Mahal, the decor is made of wood with a wooden arch and intricate designs. It is spread over 45 feet in length and 14 f in height,” he said. The idol as well as the decorations are made from recycled material.
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