Mumbai’s GSB Seva Mandal is preparing for its annual Ganpati celebrations with an insurance cover of Rs 703.27 crore, up sharply from Rs 474 crore last year.
The massive cover comes ahead of the mandal’s 72nd Ganeshotsav at King’s Circle, where the Maha Ganpati idol will be adorned with more than 66 kg of gold and 335 kg of silver ornaments.
What Does The Rs 703 Crore Cover Include?
According to organisers, the insurance has been taken as part of measures to ensure the safety and security of devotees during the celebrations.
"This year we have taken Ganeshotsav insurance cover of Rs 703.27 crore. Being a responsible mandal, it is our responsibility to ensure the safety and security of every devotee," PTI quoted mandal spokesperson Amit Pai.
The gold, silver ornaments and precious gemstones used to adorn the idol are generally donated by devotees and sevadars, the organisers said.
Five Days Of Ganeshotsav
The celebrations will be held from September 14 to 18, while the first look of the idol will be unveiled during the ‘Virat Darshan’ ceremony at 8 pm on September 12.
The GSB Seva Mandal, considered Mumbai’s richest Ganesh mandal, attracts a large number of devotees to its King’s Circle celebration.
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Over 40,000 To Get Daily Food Aid
The mandal expects more than 40,000 people to benefit from its ‘annadaan seva’ every day. Over two lakh people are also expected to receive prasad during the five-day festival.
Prayers and other religious services will be conducted according to Vedic traditions and scriptures.
The organisers said the Maha Ganpati idol is eco-friendly. As part of its efforts to reduce waste, the mandal has replaced traditional printed receipts with digital receipts for the celebrations.