Ganesh mandals in city feel inflation pinch

Despite being the 50th anniversary,the Akhil Bhatwadi Ganeshotsav Mandal’s idol at Barve Nagar,Ghatkopar will not get any new gold jewellery items,thanks to inflation. “The costs of raw materials and labour have doubled this year,” said Vilas Chauhan,president of Akhil Bhatwadi Ganehotsav Mandal,Barve Nagar. He said the cost of bamboo that is used to set up mandals has shot up to Rs 400 per piece this year,while it used to be only Rs 150 last year.

Inflation has not just hit smaller mandals,bigger mandals too are feeling the pinch. “The costs have increased by over 50 per cent this year,” said Pandurang Sakpal,general secretary,Akhil Chandanwadi Sarvajanik Ganeshotsave Mandal.

Committee members of Parel’s famous Lalbaugcha Raja Mandal also say that the costs have multiplied. “Although the costs have escalated,we have not cut down on any facilities or activities as Lalbaugcha Raja is such a big and famous mandal,”said Joshi. “We need to display and celebrate the festival in the best possible way for the benefit of devotees,” he said.

While bigger mandals can afford the costs,smaller mandals have discovered new ways to save costs. “We have reduced the number of lightings and some other decorative items,” said Sanjay Shirke,president of Malabar Hill Ganeshotsav Mandal Samiti that has around 41 mandals. In another unique attempt,Akhil Bhatwadi Mandal at Ghatkopar has asked people to donate funds to distribute ‘prasad’ to devotees. “If we get at least Rs 4000-5000 a day,it would be enough for a day’s prasad,” said Chauhan of Barve Nagar Akhil Bhatwadi Mandal.