MUMBAI: Each auspicious ceremony, every new task, begins with an invocation to Lord Ganesh, bestower of health, wealth, wisdom, artistry, intelligence and success. A warm welcome awaits the first god of the Hindu pantheon in households and public pandals at Monday’s festival of Ganesh Chaturthi.This year Ganeshotsav spans 12 days from Sept 14-25. Importantly. Hartalika Teej and Ganesh Chaturthi coincide on Monday due to the overlap of Tritiya and Chaturthi tithis. As a result, several devotees will be fasting on the day of the festival.Public pandals are putting the final flourish to their decorations. The first sarvajanik Ganeshotsav in the city located in Keshavji Naik Chawl, Girgaum, which was inspired by Lokmanya Tilak, is in its 134th year.This organisation describes itself as a ‘sanstha’ (institute) rather than mandal. Secretary Kumar Walekar said, “This year we have combined the ancient and futuristic world in our mandap. Our decoration is based on traditional Warli painting while our special lecture will focus on ‘AI (artificial intelligence) and the Seven Habits’. We will also honour the 125th death anniversary of Swami Vivekananda, which comes up in 2027, by organising a quiz contest for children.”The award-winning Shivdi Cha Raja mandal opposite Sewri bus depot is marking its milestone 75th Ganeshotsav with a spectacular ‘Underwater Dwarka’ theme. The fabled city built by Lord Krishna along the Gujarat coast is believed to have sunk into the ocean moments after he left the mortal world, marking the end of Dwapar Yug.Art director Aman Vidhate’s installation has recreated a submerged Dwarka across a 130 ft long and 65 ft wide mandap. It features 1,000 sq. ft of LED screens, hologram technology, laser light effects and an air-conditioned set. Around 80 artisans toiled for a month and a half, said president Shrikant Jadhav. He said, “The 75-year journey of Shivdi Cha Raja is rooted in faith, social commitment and communal harmony.“Vijay Indulkar, longtime mandal advisor, said, “To mark Amrit Mahotsav, we conceived this Underwater Dwarka and hope to bring the legendary city of Lord Krishna alive.”A sporting pet-friendly mandal in Cuffe Parade is inviting people to get their dogs and cats blessed. The Mumbai Cha Krupalu of the Colaba Sankraman Shibir Mandal is celebrating its 44th Ganeshotsav with a majestic 22-ft idol in the divine form of Kaal Bhairav carved by moortikar Rajan Zhad. Mandal president Amit Sawant said, “Kaal Bhairav is a manifestation of Lord Shiva. And the dog is revered as his vehicle. So we extended our celebration to encompass love and compassion for our four-legged friends.” In association with Jeevone Welfare Foundation, Mumbai Cha Krupalu has made its pandal pet-friendly, said member Ashutosh Avhad.Meanwhile, Ghatkopar has attractive installations like Bhaveshwar Cha Raja as well as Kamrajcha Maharaja. Shashikant Varma, president of the Kamraj mandal, said, “Our 25 ft tall idol resembles Shiv Shankar. We have a tradition of 23 years of doing social service. We are conducting a blood donation camp Sept 13 followed by medical camps on all 12 days. Children enjoy drawing and handwriting competitions, while adults come for Shiv charcha and career guidance sessions.“
