Devotion takes flight

This year, devotees will be given 'in-flight' treatment, including elevated ramp, airport-style ladders, free tea and breakfast, as they queue up for many long hours to meet the Lalbaugcha Raja

This year, devotees will be given 'in-flight' treatment, including elevated ramp, airport-style ladders, free tea and breakfast, as they queue up for many long hours to meet the Lalbaugcha Raja

This Ganesh festival, devotees of Lalbaugcha Raja are in for a surprise. Organisers of the biggest mandal in the city have decided to offer 'in-flight' treatment for the devout who queue for endless hours in the navas (wish-fulfilling) line.

An elevated ramp has been built for them to walk on and two ladders similar to the ones at airports for passengers to board aircraft have been ordered so that volunteers can reach the devotees easily and serve them food for free.
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Confirming the arrangements, Satish Khankar, president, Lalbaugcha Raja Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal, said, "Generally, it takes a devotee in the navas line more than 12-14 hours to get a glimpse of the idol.

Long Wait Made Easy: Workers in process of making the entrance to Lalbaugcha Raja. Temporary toilets will also be made for the comfort of devotees.

So we decided to serve them water, breakfast and tea. We have ordered airport-style ladders for volunteers to reach them on the elevated ramp and serve them."
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Earlier, the mandal had planned to obtain the ladders from the airport, but then they realised that at 17 feet, they were too tall for them.

10-12 ft tall

Committee member of the mandal and former president Sunil Joshi said, "The ladders from the airport were too tall for us to use, but now, a devotee is getting the ladders custom-made.

"They will be at the mandal within two days. The height of these ladders would be between 10-12 feet."

This arrangement of the mandal could also be a step to ensure last year's mistake is not repeated.

Last year, the mandal had received a lot of flak after pictures of mandal workers pushing and ill-treating the devotees, especially women, were printed in the media.

Till last year, devotees were forced to use the public toilet or loos in nearby housing societies.

To solve this problem, the mandal has constructed separate toilets for men and women, which will be demolished after the 10-day event.

'cost no issue'

Asked about the expenses incurred, Khankar said, "Cost is not an issue. The ladders are being donated. They will remain with the mandal for further use. The toilets are a small facility for the devotees."