Ganesh mandals in Nerul and Mumbai mark milestone years with themed sets

At a housing society in Nerul’s Sector 10, Shri Ganesh Cha Chintamani installed a Radha-Krishna-style Ganesh idol made by idol-maker Raju Shinde. The 12-year-old mandal chose the theme to mark the convergence of Radha Ashtami and Ganeshotsav, its president Sachin Kale said. About 1,200 people attended Saturday night’s puja and mahaprasad; the seven-day idol was to be immersed on Sunday.

Milestone years, detailed sets

In 12th Khetwadi Lane, the 68-year-old Khetwadicha Ganraj created a Pandharpur-themed setting around its 12-foot idol. The palace-style set features wall sculptures and was designed by Suresh Mathur. Shinde also made this idol.

Matunga’s Aradhya Pragati Seva Mandal is observing its diamond jubilee with a Shiv-Rajyabhishek theme. Secretary Ankush Wasaikar said the 60th-year celebrations draw on ideals associated with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s Swarajya, including justice, equality, brotherhood and tolerance. Reshma Khatu made the idol.

Superheroes and a long wait in Vikhroli

Sahyadri Krida Mandal in Tilak Nagar is marking its golden jubilee. Founded on August 15, 1976, by a group of kabaddi players near Sahakar Cinema, the mandal’s current theme brings together Chhota Bheem, Spiderman, Hulk, Avengers, Marvel characters and Krrish. Its aagman and visarjan continue to be accompanied by traditional dhol-tasha.

At Vikhroli Cha Raja, the Kannamwar Nagar 1 Utsav Samiti chose a Krishna and Vrindavan theme. Mandal chief Arun Mayekar said residents of the 14-building cluster have waited more than two decades for redevelopment. The mandal also organised group aartis attended by 300 domestic workers from Snabbit.