The Girgaon cha Raja Ganesha at Nikatdwari Lane has been certified as the tallest idol made out of shaadu maati or natural clay.
The record, certified by the World Records Book of India, a keeper of Indian records, announced the recognition last week.
The 21-foot-tall idol of Ganesha seated on a throne is made from clay, bamboo, grass, and other natural materials. The 3500-kg idol of the deity wearing an elaborate turban is the standard representation of Lord Ganesh at this pandal.
Ganesh Lingayat of the Nikatdwari Lane Sarvajanik Shri Ganeshotsav Mandal said that the idol is sculpted traditionally by artists. From its inception, the pandal has maintained the tradition of using clay and other natural materials for the idols. "The artists use traditional materials like handwoven baskets to craft the idol. The colours are also natural. Our Ganesha is a union of devotion and ecological consciousness," said Lingayat.
The Nikatdwari Lane pandal is located in an area that hosts the oldest community Ganeshotsav celebrations. The pandal was set up in 1928, making this the 97th year for the pandal. "Lokmanya Tilak started the festival in its present form 135 years ago. Our lane set up a pandal around four decades later. The idea was to gather everyone, celebrate the festival, and spread the good message of God," added Lingayat. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, visited the pandal on Monday.
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