Dharavi Mandal Unveils 7-8 Ft Replacement Ganesh Idol

A 15-foot Ganesh idol collapsed during its arrival procession in Kurla West on September 8. The idol was being taken towards Dharavi in a procession when the trolley carrying it encountered a pothole near a speed breaker, causing the idol to lose balance and fall onto the road.

The incident occurred at around 6:45 pm, and minor injuries were reported. Santosh Jaiswal, who was near the trolley, suffered minor injuries and was taken to Bhabha Hospital, where he received first aid.

Following the incident, the damaged idol was immersed in the nearby Sheetal Talao, maintaining religious protocols and ensuring that the situation remained peaceful. The Om Shakti Welfare Foundation Mandal from Prem Nagar, Dharavi, has now sourced a replacement idol from Ramabai Ambedkar Nagar in Ghatkopar East.

The new idol, measuring around seven to eight feet, will be brought to Dharavi in a grand procession on September 13. According to mandal president Mani Kandan, the idol will be installed in the existing 25-foot-high pandal, which was constructed for the original idol.

The mandal had initially planned to install a 15-foot idol, but due to the collapse, they were forced to look for an alternative. With only a few days left before the festival, a new 15-foot idol was not possible to make at such short notice.

Despite the setback, the organisers have decided to continue with the celebrations. The new idol will be brought to Dharavi on Sunday in a traditional procession accompanied by music and festivities.

The Ganeshotsav celebrations are an important part of Mumbai's cultural heritage, and the Dharavi Mandal's efforts to continue with the festivities despite the setback are a testament to the city's resilience and spirit.

The incident is the second of its kind in recent days, after a similar incident occurred in Bhuleshwar. However, the organisers are determined to make the most of the situation and ensure that the celebrations go ahead as planned.

The replacement idol will be a welcome addition to the festivities, and the people of Dharavi are looking forward to celebrating Ganeshotsav with their new idol. The celebrations will continue for the next few days, and the mandal is expecting a large turnout of devotees and revelers.

In the end, the show must go on, and the Dharavi Mandal's determination to continue with the celebrations is a shining example of the city's ability to overcome adversity and come together in the spirit of festivity and celebration.

The Ganeshotsav celebrations are a time for joy, reflection, and community bonding, and the people of Mumbai are looking forward to participating in the festivities with their friends and family. The replacement idol is a symbol of hope and resilience, and it will be a fitting addition to the celebrations.

As the city gears up for the festivities, the Dharavi Mandal's efforts to continue with the celebrations despite the setback are a reminder that the true spirit of Ganeshotsav lies in the community's ability to come together and celebrate, regardless of the challenges that may arise.