Write Comment     |     E-Mail To a Friend     |     Facebook     |     Twitter     |     Print

Mumbai, Aug 3, 2014: Although the festival of Ganesh Chaturthi is a month away, devotees have started feeling the positive energy from the very presence of their favourite elephant-headed god, which are coming in to the market every passing day.

Irrespective of the 15-20 per cent increase in prices of Ganpati idols, residents don’t mind to shell out that additional penny to keep the tradition alive. "Devotees usually don’t bargain for price, as they are more inclined to the bond of spirituality and culture," said an idol trader Manoj Gude.

Long-time vendors and freshers as well have started putting up makeshift stalls at the market places to enroll the order for timely delivery. "We started installing idols last year for one-and-a-half day and the eternal ambience at home prompted us to stretch the rituals to three days this year. Hence, we are opting for a bigger idol," said Pallavi Patil, a Balkum resident. "We have received order for 100 idols after we opened booking last weekend. There’s no diminishing trend of demand despite rising prices," said Santosh Gaikwad, a trader from Naupada. The festival fever is gripping the city with more and more people deciding to bring home Ganesha. "I am going to install the idol at home for the first time. I am motivated by the neighbours, who have been celebrating the festival with great fervor and gaiety. My son has forced me to keep a small idol made up of Sadu (clay)," said Manisha Kore, a homemaker from Kasarvadvali. One of the oldest mandals Shri Anand Bharti Samaj is celebrating Ganesh Utsav in a big way. They have entered the 104th year of celebrations. "We have always taken care of environment while planning the celebration," said Pralhad Nakhwa, a member of Anand Bharti Samaj. Minal Lele, an idol maker, envisages to quench the thirst of devotees recommending for eco-friendly idol. Another woman sculptor Shubhangi Ullengal said she received overwhelming response with orders more than 200 idols.

Bal Gopal Ganesh Mandal, Kurla  carrying Ganesh Idol from Parel in Mumbai to  set up in their pandal in  Kurla today Aug 3, 2014. (Pictures: Rons Bantwal)

Ganesh Idols are getting ready for celebrating the up coming Ganesh festival in Mumbai. (Pictures: Rons Bantwal)