Byculla Cha Raja observes 75th Ganeshotsav with seated Ganesha

Byculla Cha Raja in Ramnagar, Byculla East, is observing its 75th Ganeshotsav with the seated Ganesha design that devotees have known for decades.

The deity is installed before a large replica of a South Indian-style temple and wears real jewellery. Its current crown was fashioned in gold and silver from an earlier crown. Nana Vedak, who also creates ornaments for the Ganesha at Siddhivinayak Temple in Prabhadevi, designed the jewellery. The mandal also has a silver Mooshak modelled on the one at Siddhivinayak.

Surendra Shinde, media spokesperson for Sarvajanik Utsav Mandal, Ramnagar, said that 80% to 90% of the mandal’s early members were traders or workers at Byculla market. He said much of the wholesale fruit and vegetable business later moved to Navi Mumbai, along with several original members and their families.

The mandal has changed parts of its presentation over the years. It introduced musical lights for its silver jubilee and built pandals inspired by the Golden Temple and Mysore Palace for its 50th year. This year, the seated idol remains at the centre of the celebration.