Mumbai's richest mandal wants 14ft Ganpati idol

MUMBAI: GSB Seva Mandal of King's Circle, the richest Ganpati mandal of the city, iterated its plea to retain the height of its idol at 14ft during Ganeshotsav. Most prominent mandals have called off celebrations or downsized idols to 4ft, while the parallel GSB mandal of Ram Mandir, Wadala, deferred festivities to Maghi Ganeshotsav in February 2021.
GSB King's Circle hosts a five-day celebration each year. Its trustee R G Bhat said, "We will host our 66th Ganeshotsav from August 22 to 26. We have one idol, our puja moorti (that cannot be downsized as per scriptures). With crown and base it measures 18ft. We sincerely request the Maharashtra government to consider granting the height of the idol." GSB promised a visarjan in an artificial pond inside the pandal, not to lead an immersion procession and not permit devotees inside.
If the state agrees, it could lead to litigation by others, said Brihanmumbai Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Samanvay Samiti president Naresh Dahibavkar.