In a reflection of both immense faith and meticulous planning, Mumbai’s most revered and richest Ganesh pandal, the Goud Saraswat Brahmin (GSB) Seva Mandal, has secured a record-breaking insurance cover of ₹474.46 crore for its five-day Ganeshotsav celebrations. The policy, provided by New India Assurance, is one of the largest ever for a religious festival in the country.
Located in King’s Circle, Sion, the GSB Seva Mandal’s Ganesha idol is popularly known as the “Gold Ganpati,” for its breathtaking adornment of gold and silver ornaments. This year’s idol is decorated with over 69 kg of gold and 336 kg of silver, reinforcing the pandal’s reputation and necessitating the massive insurance coverage.
According to a detailed breakdown provided by the mandal, the comprehensive policy covers a wide range of risks. A significant portion of the cover, ₹375 crore, is dedicated to a personal accident insurance policy for the thousands of volunteers, security guards, priests, and other workers involved in the festival. The ornaments and other valuable items are covered for ₹67 crore, while an additional ₹30 crore is a public liability policy to protect the lakhs of devotees who visit the pandal.
“Every year, we take all the necessary measures to ensure the safety and security of our devotees and the idol,” said Amit Pai, Chairman of GSB Seva Mandal. “The increase in the insurance cover from last year’s ₹400 crore is a result of the rising value of the gold and silver ornaments, as well as the increase in our volunteer base.”
The GSB Seva Mandal, which is celebrating its 71st year, is not only known for its extravagant decorations but also for its adherence to traditional rituals and its commitment to charitable causes. The record-breaking insurance policy serves as a testament to the pandal’s commitment to both the sacred and the logistical, ensuring that the grand celebration of faith proceeds with complete peace of mind.
