As the festive spirit of Navratri approaches, the spotlight falls on the Ashtavinayak Nagar Sarvajanik Navratri Utsav Mandal in New MHB Colony, Borivli West, after they erected a mandap obstructing a vital road. This road, situated at a T-junction near Saylee hospital in Borivli West, links New MHB Colony to the bustling link road. The situation has led to severe traffic congestion during peak hours, and with the fast-approaching Navratri festival season, conditions are expected to worsen.

The nine-day festival begins on October 15. The mandal has been organsing the festival at the same spot for the last 30 years and therefore managed to receive permission from authorities. This situation prompts questions about the priorities of local authorities. On one hand, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) actively advises Navratri organisers across the city to arrange ample parking within their venues to alleviate traffic congestion. On the other hand, permissions have been granted to local mandals to block half of a crucial road for Navratri festivities, resulting in concerning traffic jams.