Mumbai's Andhericha Raja stays a bit longer with devotees during Ganeshotsav, here's why

As the Ganesotsav 2024 nears end, hundreds of devotees of Lord Ganesh are seen rushing to Andhericha Raja pandal at Veera Desai Road in Mumbai's Andheri West.

As most of the sarvajanik or public pandals perform the Ganesh Visarjan on the 10th day of the Ganpati festival, it is different with the Andhericha Raja, it stays with the devotees a bit longer and the visarjan is conducted on Sankashti.

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Ganeshotsav 2024: Andhericha Raja lives with devotees till Sankasthi

Explaining the history of Andhericha Raja, Uday Salian, spokesperson of Andhericha Raja said that it started somewhere around 1972-73 when the mills in the surrounding areas were facing a lockdown. The mill workers prayed to Lord Ganesha and committed that if the lockdown of mills opened they would set up a mandap and would perform the visarjan Sankashti.

He said that the mill workers' prayers were answered and since then the Andhericha Raja pandal has been only growing and the Ganeshotsav celebrations here are being done grandly.

Ganeshotsav 2024: Grandeur pandal for Andhericha Raja made over 2 months

The celebrations at Andhericha Raja assume an air of grandeur. For fifty-nine years, the Azad Nagar Sarvajanik Utsav Samiti has been meticulously maintaining the Andhericha Raja pandal, lending Ganeshotsav an air of enchanted divinity. All walks of life are drawn to this holy spot by the potent "mukh darshan" of Lord Ganesha, who is revered for bestowing blessings by granting his devotees the most fervent hopes and dreams. This year's breathtaking décor leaves every guest in awe of the supernatural presence that distinguishes this cherished event while also enhancing the occasion's grandeur and spiritual connection.

The pandal décor lends a regal touch to Mumbai's cultural scene, drawing inspiration from the magnificent Patwa Ki Haveli in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, which is renowned for its elaborate design and imperial beauty.

"Our team had visited Rajasthan months before the Ganeshotsav and after all due formalities, we decided to create a pandal and decorations similar to Patwa Ki Haweli. Film art directors were roped in to give it an exact look," Uday said.

The intricate reproductions of the haveli's jharokhas, sculptures, and other traditional features on the pandal produce an engrossing experience that highlights India's rich history.

The imposing idol of Andhericha Raja, which is housed inside the main Ghabhara, is designed to resemble the haveli's main meeting hall and is beautifully ornamented.

"It took almost two months to make the pandal and over 70 workers were hired to create the theme," Uday said.

He said, "Under the guidance of Sailesh Dada Phanse, chief advisor of the Andhericha Raja committee and Ashok Rane, the chairman of Andhericha Raja our team members begin preparations at least six months before Ganeshotsav begins. After research and videography at the original spot, a theme is decided and then finally it is executed."

He added that since it is not personal work, we have a team of coordinators, volunteers and others to get the best results.

Ganeshotsav 2024: Andhericha Raja is bid adieu after a grand procession

Meanwhile, Bhajans, kirtans, and other cultural events take place outside the Ghabhara, along with a Rang Mandap for devotees waiting for darshan. There are seven chandeliers and air conditioning in the space. There is also a specialised prasad distribution area, illuminated by three exquisite chandeliers, and a unique Tula Daan stage. With intentions to be reused in future celebrations, the exquisite pandal was designed by art director Dharmesh Shah and a team of 70 talented artisans, Uday added.

Talking about the visarjan ceremony, Uday said that the visarjan is also conducted with grand celebrations, people from across the world including industrialists, celebrities, TV stars, politicians, etc visit Andhericha Raja. The visarjan goes on Sankashti and until the following day.

The Andhericha Raja leaves the pandal on Sankashti and is taken across the Andheri west area including parts of Amboli and Versova.

"When the Andhericha Raja reaches Versova, the Koli community joins in the celebrations, there are bands, aartis and food distributions in Versova. Two boats that are beautifully decorated are used in the Visarjan. The entire Andhericha Raja team, volunteers and devotees then bid an emotional farewell to Bappa.

The Andhericha Raja visarjan will take place on the 21st of September, on the day of Sankashti.