Mumbai's 1st Ganesh mandal kicks off anniversary festivities

MUMBAI: Over a century ago, a 2-ft idol of Lord Ganesh at a Girgaum chawl became the spark plug that ignited the fire of patriotism within common Mumbaikars. As residents of the Maharashtrian heartland
came together for Ganeshotsav rituals, they heeded Lokmanya Tilak's clarion call for freedom from British rule.
Four generations later, both the chawl and the idol stand just as tall as they did.
The city's oldest sarvajanik Ganeshotsav of Keshavji Naik chawl will complete 121 years in 2013. Year-long celebrations are on the anvil. At an inaugural function held recently, former residents, including composer Anandji of Kalyanji-Anandji fame and 100-year-old ex-Customs officer Bhaskarrao Kamat, unveiled a logo crowned by the lord's favourite red hibiscus flower. A vast rangoli bordered by around 200 oil lamps was decorated on the occasion.
"Most of us have been living here for generations. We fondly recall hosting orchestra performances by Kalyanji Virji Shah during our childhood," said trustee Vinay Rahatekar. "During our centenary Ganeshotsav, his son Viju Shah had performed and this year Anandji was our guest of honour. Throughout 2012-13, we will organize dhol and dance shows by residents."
Composer Anandji said, "It was in this chawl that I spent my childhood. This place has shaped my sensibilities to a large extent. It played a significant role during the freedom struggle by being the first in Mumbai to heed Lokmanya
Tilak's call for public mobilization through the festivalEveryone knows me as a music director, but few are aware that the fire of patriotism that was instilled in us at an early age here has turned me into a conscientious citizen . I have joined many campaigns for clean environment and better public amenities for Mumbaikars through various NGOs."
Anandji has seldom missed his annual date with Ganeshotsav in the Keshavji Naik compound. "I feel honoured that the residents continue to invite me each year. This time, I was particularly pleased to see centenarian Kamat at the function," he said.