Kharghar: Khargharcha Raja, one of the most prominent Ganesh mandals in Kharghar, is celebrating its 24th year with grandeur, focusing on the avatars of Lord Dattatreya as the theme for this year’s festivities. The pandal, located at Gokhale High School Maidan in Sector 12, Kharghar, has been a significant attraction since its inception in 2001, drawing devotees and visitors from all around.

An interesting highlight of this pandal is that it has its very own theme song, a unique feature as compared to other Ganesh mandals in Navi Mumbai. The tradition of Kharghar cha Raja is carried on under the guidance of key individuals including Vijay Patil, founder and chairman of Kharghar cha Raja, Pradeep Mhatre, Utsav Mandal Secretary, and Vinod Shinde, Utsav Mandal Treasurer, along with a dedicated team of volunteers.

In keeping with its eco-friendly approach, Kharghar cha Raja stands out as one of the few mandals that does not immerse the main idol of Lord Ganesha in a water body. Instead, a smaller idol is immersed in an artificial pond, promoting environmental sustainability.

Speaking to Newsband, Utsav Mandal Secretary, Pradeep Mhatre, said, “This is our 24th year of Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations, and our idol is eco-friendly. This year’s theme revolves around the avatars of Lord Dattatreya. We have talented singers performing bhajans and kirtans at the pandal, and our Ganesha idol stands tall at 12 feet.”

He further elaborated on the various activities and competitions held at the pandal this year. “We have organised drawing, dance, poster-making, and Rangoli competitions, along with a cricket tournament. There will also be a prize distribution ceremony to honour outstanding students of HSC and SSC.”

The pandal, which took 10 days to set up, has also become a hub for social welfare activities. “We distribute food at the temple through our ‘annadan’ initiative and conduct eye check-ups every Tuesday. Additionally, we host blood donation camps,” Mhatre added.

 The pandal’s aesthetic appeal is enhanced by the vibrant 12-foot Ganesha idol, adorned with decorative garlands and placed under a grand pink-and-white draped ceiling. In front of the stage, devotees can view life-sized statues representing the various avatars of Lord Dattatreya, alongside saints and mythological characters, adding a deeply spiritual and cultural dimension to the atmosphere.

At the pandal, devotees can see a beautifully adorned Ganesha idol placed on a stage under an elaborate pink and white draped ceiling. Several individuals are seated in front, engaged in singing bhajans and playing musical instruments. The Ganesha idol is vibrant, with orange hues and decorative garlands.

As Kharghar cha Raja continues to celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi with devotion and dedication, it remains a beacon of how tradition, eco-consciousness, and social welfare can come together during this auspicious festival.