Ganesh mandals across the city are sorting out the cash and gifts left behind by devotees

Mandals down to money business


The city's biggest religious festival came to a close last week, and now Ganesh mandals across the city are sorting out the cash and gifts left behind by devotees. Some, like the Lalbaugcha Raja Ganeshotsav Mandal, have already auctioned off the gifts. Others, like the Andhericha Raja, will start sorting their donations next week as the group immersed their idol only on September 17. Here's a report on the donations collected and the number of people that visited the top 5 mandals this year.


Lalbaugcha Raja Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal, Lalbaug
The Lalbaugcha Raja has once again retained its position as the richest Ganesh mandal in the state. During the 10-day festival, the 77-year old mandal received Rs8.8 crore in their donation boxes, another Rs2 crores through sponsors and donations, and Rs3 crore from auction of gold and silver gifted by devotees.


Lalbaug Sarvajanik Utsav Mandal, Lalbaug
Lalbaugcha Raja is not the only big mandal in the area. The 84-year-old Lalbaug Sarvajanik Utsav Mandal in Ganesh Galli is older than its more famous neighbour. Last year, the mandal registered its name as 'Mumbaicha Raja'. The mandal received Rs32 lakh in their donation box, Rs50 lakh from sponsors, 1.5kg of gold and 6.5kg of silver.


GSB Seva mandal, Kings Circle, Matunga
The group has been celebrating the festival for the last 57 years. This year, the trust received Rs5.75 crore as cash donations, apart from 1kg gold and 19kg silver as gifts from around 3.5lakh devotees. The mandal gives away much of the donations as charity, including medical assistance.


Sahyadri Krida Mandal, Tilak Nagar
This mandal in Chembur is famous for its decoration. This year, the group created a replica of Delhi's Akshardham temple at a cost of Rs50 lakh. According to the trust, more than 10 lakh people visited this year.


Andheri Raja, Azad Nagar
The Andheri Raja Sarvajanik Utsav Samiti was started 46 years ago by blue collar workers from companies like Golden Tobacco, Excel Industries who lived in the housing colony for industrial workers. The mandal is now the most visited in the Western suburbs. A spokesperson for the mandal said that 16 lakh people visited it, even though the donation sum cannot be ascertained yet.