Category Archives: Ganesh Chaturti 2010
Rich and famous Kerala temple now in Mumbai
The famous Padmanabha Swami temple in Kerala has been in the news lately for the hordes of treasure chests found in it. But if you cannot visit the temple, don’t worry.
Now, one will have the chance to view the great temple right here in the city during the 10-day Ganesh festival, thanks to an Andheri-based mandal, which is building a replica of the temple with sand.
The Andhericha Raja Sarvajnik Ganeshotsav Mandal has decided that it will use the shrine to draw in large crowds this Ganesh Chaturthi.
The mandal, known for its unique decorations, has also planned on building the Akshardham temple of Gujarat using Plaster of Paris.
Uday Salian, spokesperson of the Mandal told MiD DAY that the temple replica would be placed opposite to the deity of Ganesha inside the pandal.
While the set of the Akshardham temple will be created by art director Ananth Shinde, the sand replica will be built by none other than sand art maestro Manmohan Mahapatra, Asia’s first sand sculptor and the man responsible for building the Somnath temple replica last year.
“We are still researching on the type of sand that is needed for the replica. It will take another week to complete the study. We took 14 days to complete the Somnath temple replica last year,” said Mahapatra.
Salian added, “Our committee has sent the sand artists to the Padmanabha Swami temple where they will study minute details required to make the sand imitation.
The height of this sand model will be around 18 feet and the pandal will be 22-feet in height and air-conditioned.”
Treasure Temple
A mesmerizing treasury of gold and silver coins, jewels and precious stones in the Sree Padmanabha Swami Temple of Kerala surprised the world as sealed vaults were opened.
Thousands of statues of gods and goddesses made of solid gold and studded with diamonds, emeralds, rubies, and other precious stones, crowns and necklaces were unearthed (worth $ 22 billion). Officials are yet to open chamber B.
Source: http://www.ndtv.com/article/cities/rich-and-famous-kerala-temple-now-in-mumbai-121822&cp
Vijay Khatu: Mumbai’s renowned Ganesha idol maker felicitated by Su:riti at Powai, Mumbai
Powai – 19 SEPTEMBER 10 : 
Powai’s neighbourhood celebrated arts and crafts store, Su:riti The Culture Shop in its attempt to connect to Indian Culture holds workshop of various ethnic regions from time to time. Coinciding with Maharashtra‘s greatest festival of Ganeshotsav Su:riti honoured one of its renowned Ganesha idol-maker, Vijay Khatu last week.
Surendra Hiranandani, the director of Lakewood Malls which holds the brands of Haiko and Su:riti felicitated Vijay Khatu in a special ceremony. Speaking on the occasion Hiranandani said, “It is a privilege for us to honour an artisan like Vijay Khatu who has elevated the craft of Ganesha idol-making to godliness. His idols look so realistic that it inspires a sense of awe and immense respect in the devotees.”
Vijay Khatu has been making Ganesha idols for decades. In the last 40 years he has made more than 250 Ganesha idols of 25 feet height. He has been making idols for Nasik, Mumbai, Pune. He is known for making the mega idols for the famous Lalbagcha Raja Ganeshas.
His father Ramkrishna Khatu worked in Poddar Mills for 30 years. Vijay himself worked in Swadeshi Mill for nearly six years before it shut. He is nostalgic of the mill life and reminisces, “Even though Mumbai has three mill revivals, the spirit of old Mumbai, with crowds of mill workers coming and going, will never return.”
With growing environmental awareness Vijay Khatu has reserved a niche in his Lalbaug work shed for a special kind of Ganpati idol this year. Unlike the assembly-line models made of plaster of Paris, this one is not hollow. It is filled with clay dough. Dressed in warm, hand-painted colours, the beautiful small Ganpati wears an unusually big smile as compared to its white-faced counterparts.
“Eco-friendly idols are in great demand, but we have so few artisans to make them,” says Khatu. “In two years, I hope to train many craftsmen to meet the demand.”
Source: Planet Powai
A Ganapati mandal run by sex workers, eunuchs
At the Vaibhav Mitra Mandal, aartis and poojas have been performed by sex workers and eunuchs since it began celebrating Ganeshotsav in 1968. All castes and religions enthusiastically take part in the celebrations.
The Ganapati temple of the mandal stands at a place that was a garbage dump once.
“There was a garbage dump in Budhwar Peth that we cleared to build the Ganapati and Renuka Devi temple,” said Prakash Kuchekar, president of the mandal. “Our tradition has never changed in the past four decades.”
One of the better-known Ganapati mandals in the city, it is the only place where aartis and poojas are performed exclusively by sex workers and hijras.
“Of the total 450 hijras and 1,500 sex workers as members, we have people who are Hindu, Muslim and Christian and others,” Mallika Shaikh, a hijra from the area. “There are no barriers of caste, region or even sex.” B Penna Gabriel, who runs Ashirwad, an NGO that works for hijras in Budhwar Peth, said hijras were living like outcastes even after 63 years of Independence and that the Ganeshotsav helped them get over the hurt.
“Ganeshotsav is the time when we are treated like equals at this mandal and we get to forget our problems and enjoy the festival just like anyone else,” Gabriel said. The proceeds collected from the mandal go towards the education and upbringing of children of sex workers. “If any hijras or sex workers fall sick, then some of the money collected is given to them for treatment. but the main purpose of this Ganapati mandal is to make people give us a place in the mainstream of society,” said Ranuka Korvi, a woman member of the mandal.
| Vaibhav mandal |
| > The Vaibhav Mitra Mandal was established by the late Digambar Khanse Chandrakant Takawale and a devdasi, the late Pramilabai Pawar > It’s members consist of 1,500 sex workers and 450 hijras besides the residents of Dhamdhare Galli in Budhwar Peth > Over 2,000 sex workers and hijras participate in the Renuka Devi procession, which goes down Laxmi Road on May 12 every year > The mandal’s budget for last year was Rs 1.97 lakh |
Rajajinagar Diamond Ganesha 2010
Diamond studded Ganesha at a Sarvajanik Ganesh Pandal at Rajajinagar, Chennai
Must see Sarvajanik Ganapati pandals in Pune
Akhil Mandai Ganapati Trust is one of the immensely important Mandals in Pune. Words don’t suffice to describe the beauty of the idol of Lord Ganesh and Goddess Sharada sitting on the swing. The entire decoration here gives you the feel of a royal palace. The beautiful carvings in the background are just awesome. Come you must and bathe in the sheer beauty here.
Rajarshi Shahu Chowk Ganeshotsav Mandal
The grand set up of the Pagoda put up by the Rajarshi Shahu Chowk Ganeshotsav Mandal is indeed a treat to watch. You must come and experience the magnificence of the sight.
Shrimant Dagdusheth Halwai
Shrimant Dagdusheth Halwai Ganapati Trust needs no introduction in India. Keeping with the past tradition the trust has erected a huge palace called Bhagyoday Parasad. In this palace the ever beautiful idol of Lord Ganesha has been placed artistically among the flower decorations which make Ganesha look like a king. The two artificial lions at the entrance are catching the eye of all as they look real. The entire decoration of the Bhagyodaya Prasad fills your mind with a sense of awe. If you don’t come here this year, you are going to miss something very special indeed.
Hutatma Babu Genu
Hutatma Babu Genu Ganesh Mandal Trust near the Mahatma Phule Vegetable market is pulling oodles of people as the trust has made the Ichchha Poorti Kund. You are supposed to stand at a certain distance and throw a coin in the big vessel placed in the middle of the pond. The big image of Lord Shiva too has been placed in the pond. If you manage to throw the coin right into the vessel, rest assured Lord Ganesh will fulfill all your wishes. The idol of the Mandal too is awesome and people are rushing to bow down before Ganesh having many wishes blooming in their minds
Ganapati Chowk Mitra Mandal
Ganapati Chowk Mitra Mandal on the Laxmi Road has made a perfect replica of Lalbagcha Raja who is considered to be the king of Mumbai. The beauty of this idol lies in the ornaments and the anatomical perfection shown by the sculptor.
Navajawan Mitra Mandal near the famous Hotel Lajjat in Sadashiv Peth is presenting a huge moving scene of Shri Saibaba. The mandal has made a huge 55 feet high idol of Saibaba which has become the center of attraction this year. People are crowding to have the enlivening experience of taking blessings from Saibaba.
Shri Vinayak Mitra Mandal
Shri Vinayak Mitra Mandal Trust near the Bhide Pool joining Deccan Bus Stop and the Narayan Peth area is presenting the live scene of the coronation ceremony of King Shivaji. The grandeur of the scene lies in the rich costumes and ornaments of King Shivaji and his noblemen in the court. The Ganesh idol of the mandal is red in color and showing Ganesh in an impressive dancing pose.
Source: www.punesite.com
Mangalore: Artful Creations Mark Sarvanajika Ganeshotsava in Kulshekhar
Mangalore, Sep 14: Sarvajanika Ganeshotsava Samiti of Kulshekhar organized its 41st annual Ganapati Utsav on a grand scale at Bikkarnakatta Kulshekhar in the city. Distinguished religious leaders and dignitaries participated in various programmes organized on the occasion, while attractive cultural programmes provided feast to the eyes and minds of the people from surrounding areas.
The idol of Lord Ganesha was taken in an immersion procession, through the decorated streets of the city on the evening of Monday September 13. Huli Veshas, attractive tableaux and a large crowd provided a grand accompaniment to the Lord’s idol. The festivities connected with the Utsav ended with the immersion of the idol at around 7.30 pm on Monday.
Source: Daijiworld.com
Biggest Ganesh Idol in 2010
This year, two idols from Vizag (the second largest city in Andhra Pradesh) have won the battle of the sizes. These 76 foot statues dwarf Mumbai’s Ganesha idols, the tallest of which doesn’t even reach 25 feet high.76-feet tall Ganesha Murti at Vizag is the tallest Ganesh Murti during Vinayaka Chaturthi in 2010. Giving it competition is another idol from Vishakapatanam itself at 70-feet.
The Vizag Ganeshas have been made out of soil imported from West Bengal. They’re too big to be immersed though. Instead, they’ll apparently have to make do with fire engines spraying water over them.
Ganesh statue pulls in the crowds for Hindu festival in Leicester
Thousands of people have been queuing to pray at a nine-foot statue of the Hindu god Ganesh as part of a religious festival.The statue, which is claimed to be the biggest of its kind in the UK, is being displayed at Shree Sanatan Mandir temple, in Weymouth Street, Belgrave, Leicester, as part of the Ganesha Chaturthi celebrations.The festival marks the birthday of Ganesh, worshipped as the god of wisdom, prosperity and good fortune.
Staff at the temple ordered the clay sculpture, which took four months to build, from Mumbai.
It was shipped over to arrive in time for 10-day festival, which began on Saturday.
The statue, which is biodegradable, will be taken to Liverpool on Wednesday and immersed in the River Mersey to symbolise Ganesh’s return to his parents and spiritual home.
Festival organiser Vinod Patel said this year’s celebrations were the biggest yet in Leicester. He said: “Every year we try to make the statue bigger. “It is the largest one in the UK this year and we’ve had thousands of people coming to see it. “Some have been queuing up for a long time to get inside the temple. “We had people making it in India for months because we wanted to make this year’s statue as impressive as possible.
“I went over to Mumbai once it was done and we then shipped it over. It was hard work getting it inside the temple but it has been worth it. “This is a very important festival and it brings good luck to thousands of people who pray to Ganesh. “He is the most wise which is why we pray to him first.”
Temple president Ramanbhai Barber said: “We’ve had five or six-foot statues before but this is the largest. People have been coming throughout the day to pray to Ganesh. “He is the remover of obstacles and brings good luck so people come to him to help with their problems.”
Thousands of people from Leicester are expected to join the gathering in Liverpool, where Ganesh statues from around the country will be released into the Mersey.
Lord Ganesh is worshipped in the Hindu, Buddhist and Jain religions. Each year since 1994 a shrine has been created in Leicester to mark the birthday of the son of Lord Shiva.
All-girl dhol troupes to electrify crowds
Women’s dhol groups have been a constant feature of the final day processions in the Ganesh Festival. A picturesque display of rhythm, energy and enthusiasm, many mandals in the city prefer to invite girls’ dhol troupes for special performances during the procession.
Started in 1978, the 32-year-old dhol group of the Yuvati Vibhag of Jnana Prabodhini has been a well-known feature of the city’s Ganesh Festival processions. “The whole motive behind girls participating in the processions is because of the philosophy that they can stand on equal footing with men. From dhol to barchi and even flag, the girls do everything in these groups,” said Medhavini Watve, head, Yuvati Vibhag, Jnana Prabodhini.
Having started with 15 members, today, the group has as many as 200 participants taking active part in over 15 presentations which include 12 processions and three displays at various locations in the city. “We do not approach mandals for performancse. Instead they come to us with requests after which we perform in front of them. Girls between standard seven till post graduation are the members of the group,” added Watve. Renuka Swaroop Girls’ High School has been taking part in the processions for the past three years and explaining the motive behind the initiative, Sagar Walke, teacher and head of the group said, “We have been participating in the processions with two motives. One is on the lines of Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak‘s philosophy with which he started the festival. We believe that it is a perfect display of unity. Secondly, it is about health as these girls need to take extra efforts to increase their strength in order to bear the weight of the dhol and play them all through the night.”
5 Ganapatis will keep water clean this year
Civil engineer Ramesh Kher, who last year introduced the alum Ganapati in the city, has prepared five such eco-friendly idols this Ganeshotsav.
Alum is a chemical used to purify water, and an alum Ganapati dissolves in river water within three days of immersion.
The first alum idol had become the talk of the town last year.After Kher applied for the alum idol patent and received a provisional certificate allowing him to make more such idols, he collaborated with sculptor Vivek Kamble to make the five idols this year.
“Even PMC’s water supply department uses alum with some other substances to clean water and make it safe for drinking.” Kher said.
“If people go for alum Ganapati visarjan in a tank, the process to purify the water can be carried out and we can collect the water to purify it, and also extract the alum from it to again make idols.”
He said immersion in the river was eco-friendly as alum does not make the water toxic, unlike other materials used to make idols for mandals in the city.
Year of research
Kher did research on making alum idols the entire year and also prepared a mould with his chemical research scholar Prof Talwalkar and engineer Chaitanya Harsure. The big challenge before Kher was making alum deities in the thousands.
Kher’s son Swachchand has taken charge of the task of promoting the alum idols for next year. “We are planning to make alum Ganesh deities in large numbers from next year as it is possible and practicable,” Kher said.
To make the use of alum Ganesh idols widespread, Kher said he wanted to make the technology easy and affordable for the common man so that he could himself make the idols and join the eco-friendly Ganesh movement. “Like silver and brass, alum idols have a long life and can also be reused year after year,” he said.
Dr Pramod Moghe, a noted chemical scientist who retired from the National Chemical Laboratory, said alum idols was a unique idea and if it proved economically viable, people would opt for it to prevent water pollution. Ajinkya Kulkarni, a resident of Sinhagad Road, said he liked the idea of the alum Ganapati idol.
“We are eagerly waiting to get the idol from Kher,” he said. “There are many such water-cleaning agents, but alum is the better option.”
Source: Mid-Day
