Mumbai Ganesh Mandals Spend Crores on Utsav as Inflation Inflates Budgets

Mumbai's prominent Ganesh mandals are spending crores of rupees on this year's Ganesh Utsav, with budgets covering pandal construction, decorations, security and arrangements for lakhs of devotees, even as rising inflation stretches costs.

The Chinchpokli Sarvajanik Utsav Mandal, which organises Chinchpokli cha Chintamani, has an overall budget of around Rs 2 crore, according to its treasurer Atul Kerkar. He said inflation could push the final figure to nearly Rs 2.25 crore, with the pandal setup alone costing about Rs 50 lakh. The mandal is celebrating its 107th year since its establishment in 1920.

Corporate advertisements and sponsorships help fund the celebrations. Kerkar said several companies sponsor the event each year and noted support from the Adani Group this year, though he did not disclose total advertisement revenue.

At the Lalbaug Sarvajanik Utsav Mandal, which organises Mumbaicha Raja at Ganesh Gully, president Kiran Tawde said a large share of advertisement collections goes back into public welfare. "About 80 to 85 per cent of the total collection from advertisements is spent directly back on public welfare programs, blood donation camps, healthcare initiatives, and arrangements for visiting devotees," he said.

On the cost of the Chinchpokli cha Chintamani idol, Kerkar said the mandal does not put a price on the deity. The idol is crafted by sculptor Siddhesh Digha, who receives an honorarium every year. "Following our committee's long-standing tradition, he is given an honorarium (dakshina) every year," Kerkar explained.

Tawde said Ganesh Gully has been recreating famous Indian temples for the past 25 years. This year, the mandal has created a decor inspired by the Chintpurni temple of the Vaishnav tradition.

Security and crowd management form a significant part of the arrangements. Kerkar said private security agencies have been hired and separate entry and exit routes have been designated across three connecting lanes so that "the chances of a stampede are minimal." Tawde said that, following Mumbai Police guidelines, around 6,000 volunteers have been deployed in shifts alongside police personnel, Home Guards and private security personnel. More than 100 CCTV cameras have also been installed for surveillance.

Kerkar said between 1,00,000 and 1,07,000 devotees are expected to visit the Chinchpokli cha Chintamani pandal for darshan. The 10-day Ganesh festival commenced across Mumbai on Monday amid traditional fervour and celebrations.