BHIWANDI CHA RAJA

HISTORY
Bhiwandi cha raja is a Ganpati at kadak, which is popular since older times. Late Shankar Motiram Mestry, Late Harshchandra Motiram Mestry, Late Govind Motiram Mestry, Late Laxman Motiram Mestry and Late Parsharam Mestry founded this idol. This ganapati belonged privately to the above mentioned five families.
In the very beginning, the idol was brought in the house of Late Shankar Motiram Mestry. Later it displaced to a hall owned by Late Harish Chandra Mestry. After this the idol was established in a chowk just outside the hall. Eventually the idol was brought in the wada (palatial house) where we find it today since then.
Actually the establishment year is 16yrs ago than what is considered i.e 1930. But as it became popular from 1930; it is considered as the foundation year.
our uncle Late Gajanan Harishchandra Mestry alias Anna Mestry was critically ill. His mother Late Narmada H. Mestry vowed for his cure to lord Ganesha and pledged that this utsav they will run till Anant Chaturdarshi. Since then the utsav is of ten days, till today.
In Bhiwandi people thronged to see the exquisite huge idol of lord Ganesha , there is an incident related to huge idol of Ganesh, when anna mestry’s son Ashok was ill, he too promised to lord Ganesha that if his son recovers from illness, he will bring a huge idol of ganesha. Anna was very happy and his joy knew no bounds and as for his vow he brought a five feet idol of lord Ganesh. Earlier plaster of paris material was not used to make ganesh idols, only clay was used. There was great risk in making a 5ft. idol of clay. Nothing could deter anna, his determination brought 5ft. idol in the year 1943. Anna was very enthusiastic person and a connoisseur; he brought idol from Mumbai, thane. In 1980, a ten feet idol made of plaster of paris was brought for the first time which made by Mr. Vittal Zhad. Unfortunaltely anna was no more to see the 10 feet idol.
Anna is our inspiration hence every year, all khadakwasi come together to celebrate the Ganeshoutsav in great promp and grandeur .
Our was the first idol to be carried on a trolly than a truck on the lay of immersion. One idol was a sight to see, people gathered on the road and longed to see our Bhiwandicha Raja.
Our people were healthy , hefty, good swimmers therefore we ourselves use to immerse such a huge idol but today cranes are used for the same. People crowded to see the immersion of the idol. Not a single untoward incident has taken place till today by the grace of lord Ganesha.
We are the first to introduce ‘Moving images’ in bhiwandi with the help of Mr. Narayan Jannu. Our hardworking enthusiastic volunteers Late Kiran Mestry , Yashwant Mestry & Damodar Mestry made it successful . Some noteworthy moving images were "Yashoda milking a cow, Krishna asking for milk, kaliya mardan, saint of bhiwandi saint shantaram bham jaywant, tukaram heading to Vaikunth on an eagle" etc. This tradition was maintained by Satish Ghag, Milind Mestry, Sunil Mestry, Jaywant Mestry, Vijay Mestry and Ravindra mestry. They made some wonderful moving images, like "Krishna lifting Govardhan parvat, Dynaneshwar making a buffalo recite Vedas, Narsiuha avatar, Hanuman teaching a lesson to bhima, bhima killing Bakasur, hanuman lost in devotion to Ram Bahgawan, Saibaba iginitng lamps filled water, bhima defeating jarasandh" etc.
Our utsav runs on the contribution made by family members only, we do not collect funds by donations. If somebody desire to give, he is requested to put in the donation box.
Our utsav is also known for its cultural and sports activities. Earlier wrestling, carom tournaments used to take place. Elocation competition was organized. Kirtan, Bhagan became a necessary event of our utsav. Late Govind bhau after maharaj has also graced our utsav in the past Khadak Ganeshutsav has played a vital role in bringing awareness among the masses during united Maharashtra movement.
Our history is only the infuriation for coming generation. Let us all mestrys carry the legacy further and pass the torch to coming generation.
________________________________________
SALIENT FEATURES
Khadak Ganeshoustav Mandal is one of most traditional and of great reputation.
Khadak Ganeshoustav Mandal was the first to introduce 10 feet Ganesh Idol in bhiwandi.
“Bhaiwandi cha Raja” is epithet conferred by the residents of Bhiwandi.
“Moving Images” were introduced for the first time in bhiwandi by Khadak Ganeshoustav Mandal.
Khadak Ganeshoustav Mandal do not take any donation buts runs the ustav from the contribution made by Mestry’s.
Khadak Ganeshoustav Mandal was the first in Bhiwandi to bring the Idol From Mumbai.
A great social worker, Late Anna Mestry ‘s Inspiration behind Khadak Ganeshoustav Mandal. One solute to the great soul!
For past 84 years Khadak Ganeshoustav Mandal is doing the work of Mass awareness through Moving Images; evoking the people against the social issues.
Women participate in large numbers in decoration, get together and pulling the trolley of Lord Ganesha.
________________________________________
MAHAARTI BY GIRLS (DAUGHTERS)
According to the Indian tradition, girls(unmarried) were not allowed to do aarti of ganesh idol. This tradition was changed by Miss. Shraddha Sunil Mestry in 2009. Hence, daughter's of Mestry Family were allowed to do the aarti of ganesh idol. This tradition is still carried forward from the year 2009 till today. The day when girls do aarti is known by "MAHAARTI BY GIRLS"