MUMBAI: Some prominent mandals are celebrating their golden and diamond jubilee this year.Shri Ganesh Cha Chintamani, NerulNoted moortikar Raju Shinde says his heart broke when this Radha-Krishna style Ganesh left his workshop. It is the best among all 60-70 idols he has carved this season. Mandal president Sachin Kale says they chose this theme to celebrate the convergence of Radha Ashtami and Ganeshotsav. The 12-year-old mandal is located in a housing society in Sector 10, Nerul, where 1,200 people arrived for puja and mahaprasad Saturday night. The seven-day idol will be immersed Sunday.Khetwadicha GanrajThis mandal located in the narrow 12th Khetwadi Lane is known for regularly winning top prizes for best idol and set. The artistry has not diminished, nor have the crowds. Now in its 68th year, the 12 ft regal Khetwadicha Ganraj carved by moortikar Raju Shinde sits in a palace with intricate sculptures adorning its walls. Mandal spokesman Ranjeet Jadhav says their theme is Pandharpur. Set designer Suresh Mathur is earning praise.Pragati Seva Mandal, Matunga (King’s Circle)Aradhya Pragati Seva Mandal is celebrating its diamond jubilee (60th year) amid a Shiv-Rajyabhishek theme, says secretary Ankush Wasaikar. Moortikar Reshma Khatu has carved the charming idol. Wasaikar says, “Maharashtra’s idol is Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. His Swarajya embodies justice, equality, brotherhood and tolerance. The same ideals reflect in the Indian Constitution, and in our Ganeshotsav. Matunga’s Aradhya also removes all discrimination and unites everyone.“Sahyadri Krida Mandal, Tilak NagarThis is the golden jubilee year of the mandal that was founded Aug 15, 1976 by a group of kabaddi players. They started Ganeshotsav in a small place near Sahakar Cinema. President Rahul Walanj says this year’s theme is ‘Superheroes’ which includes Chhota Bheem, Spiderman, Hulk, Avenger, Marvel and Krish characters. Joint secretary Jaya Shetty says the height of Sahyadri’s moorti remains constant. Aagman and visarjan are performed with traditional dhol tasha.Vikhroli Cha RajaMandal chief Arun Mayekar says, “Our Kannamwar Nagar 1 Utsav Samiti consisting of 14 buildings has been awaiting redevelopment for over 20 years. Many generations have grown up in this wait. The walls of the houses have grown old. This year’s theme is Lord Krishna and Vrindavan because we take inspiration from Krishna’s message and persevere.” Vikhroli Cha Raja organised group aartis where 300 house helps from Snabbit participated.
