K.A.Viswanathan
Mumbai: Goud Saraswat Brahmin (GSB) Seva Mandal, King Circle, which is considered to be one of the richest Ganpati pandals has taken an insurance cover of Rs 266.65 crore this year. The Mandal’s 65th year Ganeshotsave celebrations will run for five days till September 6 The14.5 ft height idol is adorned with 68 kilos of 22 caret gold and 327 kilos of pure silver.
Mr. Avinash Patkar who has been sculpting the idol since its inception in 1954 has used clay and durva to make it eco-friendly. Even the paint used are soluble in water to ensure the fishes in the sea are unharmed. The insurance cover includes the devotees, volunteers, archakas and workers.
The seva mandal receives close to 1,50,000 devotees every day for five days.