Hindutva, BMC polls reflected in pandals

In a novel idea, Makba Chawl Ganpati Mandal created a Ganpati idol made of Mentos, a mint brand, at Byculla West, Mumbai. (Photo: Debasish Dey)

Associations of Ganesh mandals have come forward and admitted that there is a rise in the theme of ‘Hindutva’ in the making of pandals, and the decorations of the pandals during the Ganesh festival this season. While association leaders have attributed this to the upcoming BMC elections, some believe that mandals are also hopeful that this will bring a rise in the amount of donations they will receive from political parties.

Naresh Dahibavkar, president of the Brihanmumbai Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Samanvaya Samiti said, “There is a rise in the trend of themes along the lines of ‘Akhand Maharashtra’ (a united Maharshtra), and ‘Akhand Bharat’. Even though these themes are not prominent they will be subtly noticeable in the kind of draping used while decorating the pandal, and the kind of lighting used as well.”

Mr Dahibawkar said, as many mandals are associated with political parties, and the general agenda of all political parties has been made keeping the BMC elections in mind, it is obvious that there is a link. He pointed out that most mandals are exploring newer ways of advertising their views and are going digital this year. They will be seen hosting electronic scroll boards, and LED screens, which can flash social messages related to issues supported by the present government. These include the Beti Bachao Andolan, the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, and the Make in India movement.

Similarly, Suresh Sarnobat, secretary of the Sarvajanik Ganeshutsav Samanvay Samiti said, “Unlike the previous years, there is a trend of sporting advertisements related to the present government’s schemes. Pandals are displaying the Maharashtrian Sanskruti, and themes like ‘Be Indian, Buy Indian.’”

Mr Sarnobat attributed this trend to the state government’s competition urging pandals to explore the theme of Swaraj. He said, “The competition is being held this year as it is the centenary year of Bal Gangadhar Tilak’s declaration, ‘Swaraj is my birth right, and I shall have it.’ The government has organised prize money on the lines of Rs one lakh, Rs 50,000, and Rs 25,000.”

Mr Sarnobat also urged mandals to use all material that is made in India. He said, “We have urged pandals to use lighting made in India, instead of using Chinese electronic products.”

Vijay Khatu, who is in charge of the workshop at Parel that makes idols said, “The trend of displaying themes is gone now. Mostly pandals focus on large idols, and great lighting. But this trend is noticed in everything.”