As millions in Maharashtra observe the largest festival of Ganesh Chaturthi in the state, it is difficult to believe that the celebrations, at least in its current form, are just over a century old. The streets of Mumbai and Pune turned into venues for the 10-day celebrations and huge gatherings of devotees. First count of total Sarvajanik mandals in the Bombay was 1,340 up to Mahim (suburbs did not exist) 1995 – Count goes up to 3,000 Sarvajanik mandals– Count goes up to 3,000 Sarvajanik mandals 2008 – Number increases to 5,000. In 1982, the first survey of all Sarvajanik mandals revealed a total of 1,340 in the city alone. For more stories on Ganesh Chaturthi festival, click here

Source: Hindustan Times September 06, 2016 05:14 UTC