The Chitralekha Group paid its ultimate tribute with what can truly be called a ‘newsmaking’ event.
On Visarjan Day, the Chitralekha Group paid a first-of-its-kind aerial tribute to all the departing Ganeshas on Mumbai’s coastline.
As a mammoth crowd throng the seas for Ganapati Visarjan, popular actress Sridevi and Mayor of Mumbai showered flower petals upon the departing Ganpatis from a chartered helicopter. With this, a grand event called ‘Maha Ganeshotsav’ came to a glorious end.
For thousands of Ganesh Bhakts and Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandals associated with the ‘Maha Ganeshotsav’ celebrations, a brainchild of the Chitralekha Group, it was time to pay their last respects to their favourite deity. There is no denying the fact that the Sahara-Chitralekha Group ‘Maha Ganeshotsav’ was a ‘Maha’-success. It was a sheer display of mass devotion, amazing strength of numbers and an abiding community feeling.
In many ways, Chitralekha Group’s Maha Ganeshotsav has faithfully restored the great Lokmanya Tilak’s
original intention of using this festive event for achieving socio-cultural unity. A total of 89 Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandals from all corners of Mumbai city took part in the “The Best Ganpati Pandal competition” to compete for the highest cash prizes for Ganpati Competitions. Countless Millions of devotees thronged these Mandals daily to witness the finest display of Mandal decor, which was based on three vital issues of national & social importance. The Ganesh-Stuti Competition attracted many more avid participants.
With a number of attractive gifts, prizes and offers, the visitors had a gala time.
Excited Sridevi chirped after her grand helicopter journey:
‘Wow! I’ve been in Mumbai since the past so many years, but I haven’t seen anything like this before. What a great sight it was. Thanks Chitralekha!"
Published on Tue Sep 4, 2001
