The brass and silverware

Back in 1845, Laxman Hari Chandarjee Ajinkya, the architect of Mumbai's Ferry Wharf aka Bhaucha Dhakka, welcomed Bappa for the first time at his Girgaum home during Ganesh Chaturthi. Laxman, his family recalls, placed the Ganesh idol on a silver chaurang (table) and decorated the pandal with brass kerosene lamps and silver utensils. Today, 173 years later, nothing from that tradition appears to have changed, except for the home address — the Ajinkyas have long moved to a 1,200 sq ft-home in Dadar. The same decorative items, including Mughal-era coins, continue to be used for the celebration every year.