Devotees swarm to see Goddess Durga, enthusiasm in Garba‑Dandiya.

City News Mumbai / Gani Khan

The 19th Public Navaratri Jagrana festival organized by Om Jai Baba Mitra Mandal at Ravi Patil Compound in Shrirang Nagar, Bhivandi, continues to be a focal point for devotees. Every day, crowds of worshippers flock to view the magnificent statue of Mother Durga, established in the Bengali style. Meanwhile, a great enthusiasm is seen among youths and women participating in the Garba and Dandiya events organized by the mandal. The mandal’s attractive décor and religious programmes are being praised throughout the city.

Chairman Jitendra Tiwari explained that this year a statue of Mother Durga in the form of Mahishasur Mardini, standing eight feet tall, has been installed. Alongside, statues of Mother Lakshmi, Mother Saraswati, Hanumanji, Lord Shankar, and Vighnaharta Ganeshji have also been erected. All the statues are made of clay, and the entire pandal has been decorated in accordance with Bengali tradition.

He added that daily at 9 a.m. there is an Aarti, and at 8 p.m. a drum–harmonium accompaniment and Vedic mantra chanting accompany the Maha Aarti. A large number of devotees participate, receiving Mother Durga’s blessings. In addition to the religious programmes, fancy dress competitions, Garba, and Dandiya are also organized on various days.

Executive officer Vijay Mishra and Treasurer Rakesh Kesarwani noted that to preserve fading cultural traditions and encourage children’s talents, a painting competition, a dance competition, and a magician’s show have also been arranged. Moreover, daily Sundarakanda recitation and prasad distribution are organized, with mandal workers actively contributing.

To make the festival a success, Vice President Manchal Pandey, Ravi Tiwari, Sujit Tiwari, Manager Sudhakar Tiwari, Vinod Tripathi, Ravindra Tiwari, Rajesh Shukla, Shivchand Kesarwani, Pradeep Kesarwani, Chanchal Pandey, Pavan Kesarwani, Sunil Jayswal, Mohit, Rohit, Amit Kesarwani, and Suresh, Kallu Wairman, along with other mandal members, are working with great effort.