Mumbai family celebrates Ganesh Chaturthi the same way it was done in 1845

For the last 173 years, Girgaum's Ajinkya family has been using the same tables, silverware and coins to celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi

The brass and silverware

Back in 1845, Laxman Hari Chandarjee Ajinkya, the architect of Mumbai's Ferry Wharf aka Bhaucha Dhakka, welcomed Bappa for the first time at his Girgaum home during Ganesh Chaturthi. Laxman, his family recalls, placed the Ganesh idol on a silver chaurang (table) and decorated the pandal with brass kerosene lamps and silver utensils. Today, 173 years later, nothing from that tradition appears to have changed, except for the home address — the Ajinkyas have long moved to a 1,200 sq ft-home in Dadar. The same decorative items, including Mughal-era coins, continue to be used for the celebration every year.

Mughal-era coins have a specific use in the pooja, and are brought out 20 days before the festival

To many, it would come as a surprise as to how the family has managed to keep the tradition alive for nearly two centuries. "Our ancestors preserved all the items," explained Vishwas Ajinkya, a sixth generation descendant of Laxman.

Bhupendra Ajinkya (left) and Vishwas

The items and tables, otherwise put in storage, are brought out 20 days before the festival. The silver and brass items are then cleaned and polished. Each item is used for a specific purpose, said Vishwas. For instance, the Mughal era coins are used to serve 'Panchamrut' — a mixture of five holy ingredients served to the Ganesh idol. Then there are five tables (Chaurangs), all of which date back to 1845, to bring in the statue. While the smallest table on which the idol is placed is made of silver, the other tables are made of wood. The family also places a 100-year-old mirror near the pandal so that devotees can see the idol from all sides. Vishwas, however, admits that the family has managed to preserve only half of the original lot.

The one thing that has changed is the idol supplier. "Earlier,our idol was bought from Girgaum. But, after the sculptors shut down their business, we get it made from somewhere else. The size of the idol [one foot] has remained the same," Laxman's brother Bhupendra said.

You may also like - Mumbai Crime Roundup: 10 incidents that took place this week

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!