Pic/Instagram@Andhericha Raja
The Azad Nagar Sarvajanik Utsav Samiti was established in 1966 by blue-collar workers of Golden Tobacco Company, Tata Special Steel and Excel Industries Ltd. Many of these workers had moved from the Lalbaug-Parel belt and settled in Andheri West’s Azad Nagar M.H.B. Colony, closer to their workplaces.
M.K. Menon, Tukaram Salaskar and Vasudev Kasalkar were among the founding members who started the Ganeshotsav, laying the foundation for what would eventually become one of Mumbai’s prominent Ganpati celebrations.
The mandal’s connection with the name Andhericha Raja has its roots in an incident in 1975. At the time, the life-size Ganesh idol was traditionally immersed on Anant Chaturdashi along with the smaller puja idol.
According to the mandal’s history, then chairman Appa Khanvilkar had made a wish to Lord Ganesha. After his wish was fulfilled, the deity came to be known as “Navasala Pavnara Ganpati”, or the wish-fulfilling Ganesha. Over time, devotees began referring to the idol as Andhericha Raja — the King of Andheri. Unlike most Ganesh pandals which immerse the idol on Anant Chaturdashi, Andhericha Raja observes immersion on Sankashti Chaturdashi.
The practice has since become one of Andhericha Raja’s defining traditions. The smaller puja idol continues to be immersed on Anant Chaturdashi, while the life-size idol is taken out later for its immersion procession. This year, Mumbai will celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi on September 14, marking the beginning of the city’s much-awaited Ganeshotsav season. Anant Chaturdashi, when the major immersion ceremonies are held, falls on September 25.
