Mumbai: The apex body of Ganpati mandals in Mumbai has appealed to organisers to refrain from playing vulgar or inappropriate songs during Ganeshotsav, which begins next Monday.Naresh Dahibhavkar, president of the Brihanmumbai Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Samanvay Samiti (BSGSS), said the appeal was not aimed at any particular political party or mandal, but was about maintaining a certain decorum during the festival. “Songs played during the celebrations should ideally complement the spirit of the festival and encourage people to connect with their faith and the purpose for which they visit the pandals,” he said.Dahibhavkar also said there has been a growing willingness among Gen Z to contribute towards Ganeshotsav celebrations. While mandals were traditionally heavily dependent on donations, he said, members are increasingly contributing from their own pockets and taking greater ownership of the festivities.He welcomed the growing community involvement in large mandals such as Lalbaug and Chinchpokli, saying it reflected a positive change in the way citizens were engaging with the festival. Adani Group has joined Mumbai’s Ganeshotsav celebrations with a formal tie-up with the Chinchpokli Cha Chintamani Ganeshotsav while the Ambani family sponsors the famous Lalbaug Ganesh mandal since 2025.Girish Walawalkar, secretary of the samiti, said that in times of need, Ganpati mandals have often been among the first to come forward to support one another. This was evident during the recent Bhuleshwar cha Raja incident, in which the idol collapsed, killing two mandal members, including its president.“Lalbaugcha Raja was among the first to step forward, donating Rs 21 lakh towards the families of the deceased and hospital expenses. While government agencies are expected to provide assistance in such incidents, it is encouraging to see community support reaching those affected even before official help comes in. Ultimately, it is community involvement that matters the most,” he said.Ganeshotsav will begin on September 14 and continue for 10 days. This year, the number of artificial immersion ponds has also increased to around 300 across the city. Walawalkar said the rise was a positive trend, indicating that more people are opting for artificial ponds instead of immersing idols in the sea, which has environmental implications.
