Konkan comes to Andheri

Andhericha Raja, which is managed by Azad Nagar Sarvajanik Utsav Samiti, is known for its grandeur, thematic pandal and its celebrity devotees. This year, too, which happens to be the 51st year of mandal, its charm is alive, so,  brace yourself for a mega-sized pandal that will be a replica of the Kunkeshwar temple located in the Konkan region of Maharashtra. 

In all its glory 

Art director Dharmesh Shah has designed this set, which took around two months to build, from designing to the stage that has 21 pillars on it and is adorned by 17 chandeliers! Around 70 workers were involved in the pandal construction, which is now in the final stages of touch-up. 

The pandal set in the making

Warm welcome 

Right before the entrance of the pandal, a giant-sized bull and a traditional Indian lamp post (15 feet high) have been constructed, which promise to be a welcoming sight for the devotees. Once the devotees enter from the pravesh dvaar, grand sculptures of Lord Vishnu’s 10 avatars will be on display along with the eight idols of Ganesha’s Ashtavinayak. 

A bit different 

The material used for the pandal includes wood, steel and fibre. So, even after the festival is over, portions of it can be reused as props as part of wedding decorations. A point to note about Andhericha Raja is that the idol’s immersion takes place after 16 days as opposed to the usual 10 days. The idol is known to be an offering from devotees who book it in advance, and this year, the 8.5 feet idol is being offered by mandal secretary Vijay Sawant.