GSB Ganesh mandal marks 72nd year with over 1 lakh pujas in 5 days
Mumbai's GSB Seva Mandal in Wadala begins its five-day Ganeshotsav, insuring the idol for Rs 703 crore
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The Mahaganpati of GSB Seva Mandal in Mumbai's Wadala, referred to by devotees as the "king of the world who fulfils vows", is celebrating its 72nd year. The historic Ganeshotsav will run from September 14 to 18 and will feature several sacred rituals.
The GSB Seva Mandal is known for its unbroken spiritual tradition, religious devotion and sacred rituals, which is why devotees from across the country visit for these five days of worship. This year the idol has been insured for Rs 703 crore. Devotees get to see the idol for only five days and long queues form during this period. It is believed that the deity fulfils vows, and special arrangements have been made for this. Devotees whose vows have been fulfilled donate items equal to their own body weight.
The mandal said that more than 1,00,000 pujas and religious services will be performed by traditional Vedic priests over the five sacred days. These include several kinds of rituals. The special pujas include the Maha Mudgan Ganpati puja and the Mudgan Ganpati puja. The havan and offerings include the Sahasra Modak havan and Modak naivedya. Flower services include the Pushpa puja, a day-long Pushpa seva and the Rang puja. Archana and lamp services include the Deepa Aradhana seva and Durva Archa seva. Food and prasad services include the Mahabhog seva, prasad distribution seva and Sahasra Bhojan seva. Special vow-related services such as the Tulabhar seva and a day-long seva will also be available.
Continuing an old tradition, fresh mahaprasad will be distributed to 40,000 devotees every day during the festival. This means food will be arranged for more than 2 lakh devotees over the five days.
The GSB mandal has adopted a digital approach this year for Ganeshotsav and has discontinued the traditional practice of printed receipts. This reduces paper waste and promotes an eco-friendly celebration. The mandal is running a "go green" initiative for this Ganeshotsav. The Mahaganpati idol is also eco-friendly, and the mandal is taking full care to maintain environmental balance.
