Patna: With Ganesh Chaturthi and Teej falling on Monday, the city is set to witness celebrations for both festivals. Members of the Maharashtra Mandal are giving finishing touches to Ganesh Chaturthi arrangements, while women and families across Patna are gearing up for Teej.Ganesh Chaturthi will have a special attraction this year with the pandal designed on the lines of the famous Meenakshi Temple in Madurai. Around 12 artisans from Mumbai have been working on its structure and interiors for the past month. A 5.5-foot idol modelled on Mumbai’s iconic Lalbaugcha Raja reached Patna on Saturday after being brought from Mumbai. Made from shadu clay, it will be adorned with a gold crown studded with diamonds, emeralds and rubies, valued at around Rs 55 lakh.Maharashtra Mandal secretary Sanjay Bhonsle said the consecration would take place at 9.30am on Monday, followed by the first aarti at 11am. Five priests led by Prashant Jagirdar will travel from Sangli in Maharashtra for the rituals. On the opening day, 501 modaks will be offered to Lord Ganesha. Devotees will be able to seek darshan, offer prayers and receive prasad during the celebrations.The Mandal has lined up cultural and religious programmes during Ganeshotsav. Children will perform on Sept 16, with prizes for the best performances, followed by a Haldi-Kumkum ceremony on Sept 18. A Mahaprasad programme will be held from 11am on Sept 20 before the festival concludes with the Ganpati immersion procession. The procession will feature a 60-member Jhanj Pathak team from Nashik, comprising 20 girls and 40 boys, performing with traditional instruments and stunts.Meanwhile, Teej preparations have added to the festive atmosphere. Markets and residential areas have been busy, with women making last-minute purchases as families prepare for the traditional festival. Bangle and cosmetic shops have been particularly busy, with demand rising for colourful bangles, mehendi and traditional accessories.“Teej comes only once a year, so I wanted to complete all the shopping before the festival. I bought bangles, mehendi and clothes and will spend the day with my family after completing the puja,” said Archana Gupta, a resident of Buddha Colony.Women have also been arranging fruits, sweets and puja essentials at home, while mehendi artists remained busy with customers queuing up to have their hands painted.
