Mumbai’s oldest Ganpati pandal to host idol in a room this Chaturthi

The oldest Ganpati pandal in Mumbai, Shree Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Sanstha, will celebrate its 128th year this Ganesh Chaturthi. Due to Covid-related concerns, the Sanstha has decided to set an example and keep its affairs low-key this year.

The pandal, which is famed for celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi traditionally without drums and loudspeakers, plans to dial down festivities further to keep devotees safe in the middle of the pandemic. “Our idol is always two feet long and placed in the chawl premises. But this year we will keep it in a 160-square-feet room to prevent crowds,” said Ashok Pednekar, secretary of the Sanstha. He further added, “Only two Sanstha members will be present in the room for the aarti. But we will install a screen at the entrance for darshan. We will also set up a live screening of the aarti on social media so that devotees can perform darshan without setting foot in the pandal.”

The Sanstha dates back to 1893 when freedom fighter Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak had called for public Ganeshotsav celebrations. “We usually have musicals, plays and cultural activities for children, but they will not happen this year. The Ganesh idol will be brought in with no music, and we have asked chawl residents to take their blessings virtually.