The GSB Seva Mandal at King’s Circle, one of Mumbai’s most prominent Ganesh mandals, has announced a record-breaking insurance cover of Rs 474.46 crore for its 71st Ganeshotsav celebrations. This is the highest-ever insurance cover for a Ganesh mandal in the country. The mandal is widely known for hosting India’s richest Ganpati idol, adorned with more than 69 kilogrammes of gold ornaments and 336 kilogrammes of silver. The idol will be seated in the pandal for five days from August 27 to 31, with the first unveiling on August 25. 

“Our Mahaganapati is fondly called ‘Navsala Pavnara Vishwacha Raja’ by devotees, and we consider it our responsibility to safeguard everyone who visits the pandal,” said Amit D Pai, the Chairman of GSB Seva Mandal. “This year, we have secured the highest-ever Ganeshotsav insurance cover, ensuring both the idol and devotees are fully protected,” he added. 

The massive cover, been arranged with The New India Insurance Co Ltd, includes protection for the idol’s ornaments, public liability, fire and earthquake risks, venue premises and personal accident insurance for thousands of volunteers and staff. Of the total Rs 474.46 crore, Rs 67.03 crore has been secured for gold, silver and jewellery, while the public liability is insured up to Rs 30 crore. The largest share, amounting to Rs 375 crore, is dedicated to personal accident insurance for volunteers, cooks, workers, and security guards engaged in the celebrations.