Does devotion call for a noisy celebration?

‘Ganpati Bappa Morya, Pudhchya Varshi Lavkar Ya’- thousands of devotees will chant this today as different mandals across Navi Mumbai have a grand immersion procession to bid adieu to lord Ganesha.

The Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal in sector 17, Vashi, has roped in dhol-tasha performers in huge numbers from Maval Taluka in Pune. And, like every year the procession will resemble the Rajshahi style.

“This year we will have a grand farewell for Bappa. It is a 150-member dhol-tasha troupe from Pune. Also, we will have 30 people dressed in traditional warrior costumes like those during Shivaji Maharaj’s reign. The smaller idol of Lord Ganesha will be carried in a palanquin throughout,” said Sampat Shewale, member of the mandal.

Performances by lezim troupes is mostly preferred during Ganpati visarjan as the troupe members donning traditional costumes, liven up the procession and make people dance to the energetic beats.

Ankush Vaiti, president of the Shivchaya Mitr Mandal said, “We have invited a lezim troupe from Nevasa village in Pune this year with 60-70 members who will enthrall people throughout the procession. Also, since our pandal is a replica of Uttarakhand’s Kedarnath temple, we invited a few women from Uttaranchal, who, wearing traditional costumes and jewellery, sang bhajans and conducted aarti yesterday,” said Ankush Vaiti, president of the mandal.

The Sarvajanik Mitra Ganesh Mandal in Nerul will also have a traditional immersion procession. “The lezim troupe is from Pune with all the members dressed in saffron kurta-pyjama or dhoti with a pheta (turban).

The troupe will also put up small role plays depicting highlights of Shivaji Maharaj’s life and show a few martial stunts. The procession will stop for four to five times at different spots for people to see the performances,” said president, Netra Shirke.

While many prefer the booming beats of not one but many drums, the Sanpadyacha Maharaja Sarvajanik Mitra Mandal has decided to keep it low-key in an effort to minimise the noise pollution.

Sashikant Gaikwad, president of the mandal said, “We will be having only a 10-member dhol-tasha troupe so that the noise pollution will not be as high as it is every year. Also, no loud firecrackers will be used today anytime during the procession.

This is a practice I plan to continue for my mandal’s visarjan procession.”