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.

Singer Sandeep Ubale’s live performance fills the pandal with devotional energy, NMMC Commissioner Dr Kailas Shinde also seeks Bappa’s blessings.

The Theme

Ganeshotsav celebrations in Vashi Sector 17 have taken on a royal touch this year, with the Navsala Pavnara Maharaja installed in a grand pandal designed around the theme of a Rajasthani royal palace and darbar.

The celebration has been organised under the guidance of former BJP corporator and founder-president of the Public Ganeshotsav Mandal, Sector 17, Sampat Shewale. The elaborate decoration has become an attraction for devotees visiting the pandal.

The celebrations received an added musical touch when popular singer Sandeep Ubale visited the pandal, offered prayers and participated in the Maha Aarti. His live performance brought an energetic devotional atmosphere to the venue, with devotees joining in the chants of “Ganpati Bappa Morya.” Speaking on the occasion, Ubale said performing his Ganpati song at Bappa’s darbar was a special experience for him. He expressed gratitude to the lyricists, musicians, producer and everyone who contributed to the song. He also said the song was completed within four to five days and credited Lord Ganesha for the positive response it received.

The celebrations were also attended by Navi Mumbai Municipal Commissioner Dr Kailas Shinde, who sought the blessings of Navsala Pavnara Maharaja and appreciated the mandal’s grand and well-organised arrangements. The festival has brought together devotion, music and community participation, adding to the festive atmosphere in Vashi.