Lalbaugcha Raja.The greatly anticipated Ganesh Chaturthi festival will be taking place in September in Mumbai. However, this year, don't expect to see any towering 20-25 foot idols. This news report states that the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and the Brihanmumbai Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Samanvay Samiti (BSGSS) have decided to limit the height of idols (including their thrones) to 18 feet.
Apparently, the decision has been made on the basis of environmental concerns, as well as last year's toppling of the Tejukaya ganesh mandal's 22 foot high idol, which damaging the idol badly.
Many of the famous Ganesh mandals in Mumbai commonly have idols over 20 feet, and compete with each other for the tallest statue. These include the Ganesh Galli and Khetwadi Ganraj mandals.
A similar proposal to reduce the size of Ganesh idols was made in 2009, by the then mayor of Mumbai. However, mandals refused to follow it. The BMC has admitted that they can't strictly enforce the rule, and will have to educate non-complying mandals about environmental issues.
What do you think of the new rule? Should the size of idols be reduced?
Find out more about the festival and how to best experience it in this Mumbai Ganesh Chaturthi Guide.