30th Ganeshotsav blends devotion, Maharashtra’s saint tradition and community activities.

The Tradition

Ganeshotsav celebrations at Sanpada’s Sonkhar area are offering devotees more than just a glimpse of Lord Ganesha. The 30th edition of the Nakhwa Sitaram Bhagat Cultural Festival Mandal has brought Maharashtra’s rich saint tradition to life through a unique theme at Sonkhar Cha Raja.

A nine-foot Ganesha idol made from eco-friendly paper pulp has been installed for the celebrations. The main attraction is a special ‘Sant Srushti’ created inside the pandal, where displays and moving exhibits introduce visitors to the lives, teachings and social contributions of Maharashtra’s revered saints. The initiative has attracted devotees from Sanpada and other parts of Navi Mumbai. Senior citizens are playing an active role in managing several activities, while residents and housing societies from the Sonkhar-Sanpada area have also joined the celebrations.

The mandal has combined religious celebrations with community-focused programmes. Health camps are being organised with the support of doctors and hospitals, while senior citizens are being helped with registration and government concession certificates. Children are also participating in karaoke competitions, sports and cultural programmes. A community feast is planned for Anant Chaturdashi. The mandal was founded by Dashrath Bhagat, with corporator Nishant Karsan Bhagat serving as president and Hemant Desai as working president. Shri Budheshwar Charitable Trust is also supporting the celebrations.

The immersion procession will feature traditional musical instruments and avoid gulal. The Ganesha idol will be immersed at the Jagruteshwar Shiva Temple lake in Vashigaon on Anant Chaturdashi. Through its blend of devotion, culture and social participation, the celebration has created a meaningful festive experience for the local community.

Locals seek repairs and regular maintenance, raising concerns over the fading condition of important freedom movement landmarks.

The Neglect

Memorials dedicated to the martyrs of the 1930 Chirner Jungle Satyagraha in Uran are reportedly facing neglect, with local residents urging authorities to step in and preserve these important reminders of the freedom movement.

The Chirner Jungle Satyagraha was a significant protest in the region during the freedom struggle. Eight protesters lost their lives in police firing, while 38 others were injured. Memorials were later established in the native villages of the martyrs, including Chirner, Dighode, Mothi Jui, Koproli, Pandive and Khopte.

According to local residents, several of these memorials are now in poor condition. Some spaces are reportedly being used for drying clothes, fish and grains, while others have become parking areas. Parts of some structures, including roofing sheets, have also been damaged. Residents said that while the main memorial at Chirner receives attention during the annual memorial programme, other sites are often overlooked during the rest of the year. They have called for regular cleaning, repairs and proper protection of the memorials.

The issue has also highlighted confusion over which government agency is responsible for their maintenance. The Chirner village administration has approached the Public Works Department for repairs. The PWD has reportedly said the memorials have been under the Zilla Parishad, while the Uran Panchayat Samiti has stated that they come under the PWD.

Locals fear that continued delays could further damage these historic sites and are seeking coordinated action to preserve the memory of those who sacrificed their lives.

Eknath Shinde backs cluster development, while concerns over infrastructure and population growth remain.

The Redevelopment

The Maharashtra government’s push for cluster redevelopment in Navi Mumbai has brought differences within the political leadership into focus. Deputy Chief Minister and Urban Development Minister Eknath Shinde has reiterated the government’s support for cluster development in Navi Mumbai and other major cities in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.

Speaking at an event in Thane, Shinde said cluster redevelopment would be taken forward to address redevelopment needs and the growing demand for housing. The government has set a target of constructing 30 lakh homes across the region over the next 15 years. However, the proposal has faced reservations from some local BJP leaders. State Forest Minister Ganesh Naik has raised concerns about large-scale redevelopment and called for its possible impact to be studied carefully before projects are taken forward.

The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation’s ruling BJP group has also passed a non-official resolution seeking a detailed assessment of cluster projects. Leaders have expressed concerns that large-scale redevelopment could increase the city’s population and place additional pressure on roads, water supply, drainage and other civic infrastructure. The proposed cluster redevelopment in the Simplex area of Ghansoli, a settlement associated with Mathadi workers, has become a particular point of discussion. While the civic body has given in-principle approval to the project, members of the ruling group have opposed the proposal.

With the state government supporting cluster redevelopment and local leaders seeking greater scrutiny, the issue is likely to remain an important topic in Navi Mumbai’s future development plans.