Traditional performances, a vibrant procession and an eco-friendly idol mark the beginning of Ganeshotsav in Vashi.

The Grand Celebration

The festive spirit of Ganeshotsav came alive in Vashi as the Ganraj Vashi Cha Raja Public Ganeshotsav Mandal, Sector 16A, began its 43rd year with a grand idol arrival ceremony.

The procession started from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Chowk and made its way to the main pandal amid the energetic beats of dhol-tasha. Thousands of devotees joined the celebrations, turning the streets into a sea of devotion and excitement.

Traditional performances added to the charm of the procession. Mardani Khel demonstrations, a colourful Lezim performance and the presence of a Govinda troupe drew loud cheers from the crowd. The Govindas formed a human pyramid and offered a special salute to Ganraj Vashi Cha Raja.

The event was attended by BJP corporator Anjali Valunj, mandal president and social worker Vijay Valunj, social worker Ajay Valunj, along with mandal office-bearers, volunteers and devotees. This year, the mandal has also focused on protecting the environment. The Ganesha idol, depicting Lord Ganesha seated on an elephant, has been made from paper as part of its eco-friendly initiative.

The organisers said the mandal has been preserving culture and tradition for 43 years and was among the first in Navi Mumbai to organise an idol arrival ceremony. They also invited devotees from across Navi Mumbai and Maharashtra to visit the mandal and seek Bappa’s blessings.

Potholes and damaged roads to be fixed on key routes used for Ganesh idol processions and immersions.

The Repairs

With Ganeshotsav just around the corner, the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has stepped up efforts to make city roads safer and smoother for residents and devotees.

NMMC Commissioner Dr. Kailas Shinde has directed officials to inspect damaged roads and take up urgent repairs, with priority being given to routes that will witness the movement of large Ganesh idols and immersion processions. Engineering teams are inspecting roads for potholes, uneven surfaces, damaged manholes and problems with storm-water drains. Since the monsoon is still active, temporary repairs are being carried out using materials such as cold mix and mastic geopolymer. Permanent road surfacing will be taken up once there is a sufficient break in the rainfall.

To improve monitoring, officials are also geo-tagging potholes so that their locations can be tracked and repairs can be completed without missing important stretches. The civic body is also working on improving street lighting, cleanliness and facilities at immersion points to make the festival more convenient for citizens.

For many residents, smooth roads are more than just a civic issue during Ganeshotsav they are essential for ensuring that processions can move safely and families can participate in the celebrations without worrying about potholes and damaged stretches. NMMC has also appealed to citizens to cooperate with the civic authorities and celebrate the festival responsibly, while keeping the city clean and environmentally friendly.

Civic chief directs action against illegal hawkers, pan shops and late-night food stalls ahead of Ganeshotsav.

The Hawkers

With Ganeshotsav approaching, the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has stepped up preparations to make roads and public spaces cleaner and safer. NMMC Commissioner Dr. Kailas Shinde has ordered a special drive against footpath encroachments and unauthorised stalls, particularly near schools, hospitals, railway stations and busy markets.

Ward-level teams will be formed to identify and remove illegal encroachments. While authorized hawkers may be shifted to suitable alternative locations, unauthorised vendors will face immediate action.

A major focus will be on pan shops operating near educational institutions. Officials have been instructed to ensure that no pan shop operates within 50 metres of a school or college. The civic body will coordinate with school authorities and the police to prevent young people from being exposed to tobacco and narcotic substances.

NMMC will also deploy night squads to tackle illegal food stalls on public roads. Such stalls will not be permitted to operate beyond 11 p.m. The Commissioner has further directed officials to repair potholes, trim trees along Ganesh procession routes, improve street lighting, remove unauthorised banners and prepare artificial immersion ponds. The civic body’s latest instructions aim to ensure that residents can celebrate the festival in a cleaner, safer and more organised Navi Mumbai.