MUMBAI, INDIA, August 26, 2002: While the money-market may be tight, it’s not dampening the spirit of Ganesh Chaturthi. Ganesha Mandals are gearing up for the festival beginning September 10. “No Mandal (temporary festival temple) has opted out or scaled down its celebrations,” says Jayant Salgaonkar, President of All Maharashtra Ganeshotsav Mahamandal. “No doubt the economy is bad but this is a festival which comes just once a year. The celebrations will be held as usual.” “Overall, rough estimates of the last few years indicate that the total expenditure in Mumbai on the Ganapati celebrations is about US$10,200,000. In Maharashtra, it is around $40,800,000,” says Dahibawkar.
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