Vashi mandal bags top honour

Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal, in Sector 17, Vashi, has been adjudged the best ganeshotsav mandal of 2016 in the NMMC conducted Navi Mumbai Mahapaur Sarvajanik Shri Ganeshdarshan competition.

Those present at the occasion included mayor Sudhakar Sonawane, MLA Manda Mhatre, deputy mayor Avinash Lad, house leader Jaywant Sutar, additional municipal commissioner Ankush Chavan, several NMMC office bearers, officials and eminent residents.

Nakhva Sitaram Bhagat Sanskrit Utsav Mandal of sector 14, Sanpada received the second prize while Maharashtra Mitra Mandal of sector 14 Mahatma Gandhi Complex won the third prize.

The fourth prize was won by Shri Dattaguru Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal, Dattaguru Nagar of sector 15, Vashi. Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal of Agroli village in Belapur, that has been carrying on the tradition of one village one Ganpati, received the 4th prize.

The consolation prize was won by Sanpada’s Raja Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal, sector 10 and Seawood Darave Mitr Mandal of sector 23, Seawood.

While the Vighnaharta awards are for decorations and the idols, the Sukhkarta award is for discipline and compliance of norms. Prizes were also given for best decoration, social awareness, best idol, hygiene and discipline.

Mementoes and certificates were given to all 77 participating mandals. Mayor Sudhakar Sonawane, “Navi Mumbai has developed a distinct identity of its own over the years. Even the Ganeshotsav festivities in the city are different. It is to appreciate these celebrations and encourage the mandals that the civic awards have been initiated.”

He added, “On the lines of the concept of ‘one village one Ganpati’, I hope that in our city we will soon have ‘one node – one ganpati’ or at least ‘one ward one ganpati’. It will further strengthen our unity.”

In his address, Sports committee chairman Leeladhar Naik said, “The objective of this competition being organised since 1996 is to encourage the mandals. Apart from the awards, we have also given mementos and certificates to every participating mandal.”

He said, “The entry forms for the competition this year are available in all ward offices. The mandals can submit them at the ward offices.”