The excitement in the city is palpable as the annual Ganesh festival draws near, with prominent Ganesh Mandals preparing to unveil captivating themes, stunning Pandals, and inspiring idols, all conveying crucial societal messages.

Shiv Chhaya Mitra Mandal Turbhe, fondly known as 'Navi Mumbai Cha Raja', is set to mark its remarkable 53rd year in organizing this Sarvajanik Ganesh Utsav. The Mandal has an array of captivating events lined up for the upcoming Ganesh festival, scheduled to commence on September 19, 2023. This year, the festivities will return to the familiar CIDCO ground in Sector 21, Turbhe.

The celebrated Shivchhaya Mitra Mandal is renowned for creating a majestic spectacle, and for 2023, they plan to construct an awe-inspiring Elephant Palace, measuring a staggering 85 feet in length, 45 feet in width, and standing 25 feet tall. The decoration and lighting will transport visitors to an 18th-century palace, with a 10-foot idol of Lord Ganesha in the royal pose for mass darshan. Additionally, a 2-foot idol of sadu matti will be placed in front of the main idol for daily puja and arti.

Continuing its tradition of serving the community, the Mandal will organize health camps, eye check-up camps, Ayurveda camps, and blood donation drives. This year, the Mandal aims to enlighten the masses about cleanliness through 15-20 large banners and posters scattered across the venue, conveying messages about garbage segregation, proper disposal, swachchta etiquette, and related information. Visitors will also have the opportunity to learn about the Chandrayaan 3 mission through informative cutouts and banners.

Shivchhaya Mitra Mandal has always been at the forefront of social, cultural, educational, artistic, and sporting activities in the city and has earned numerous accolades. During the festival, bhajans and Haripath will be performed, and President Ankush Vaiti announced, "This year, we plan to honor 53 'Buas'—the head kirtaniyas who have been entertaining and spreading messages on social issues through their kirtans and bhajans for many years." The festival will also feature Annadaan, Satyanarayan Katha, daily puja rituals, and aarti. Organizers are anticipating a massive turnout of 10 lakh devotees.