Mumbai’s Kamathipura has 45 Ganesh mandals, many decades old, spread across 16 lanes (In pic: Mumbaicha Chintamani, Ganadhisha Mumbaicha)
The former red light district has 45 Ganesh mandals, some 80-100 years old, sprinkled across 16 cross lanes. The 15 ft tall Kamathipura Cha Krupalu of Lane 7 has been drawing crowds. Social media has high praise for Bappa Barfani of Lane 8 whose 33 ft Natraj style Ganesh has five snakes wrapped around its body. Media incharge Shriram Nair says the third generation helms the 72-year-old mandal. 12 have succeeded within the past year. Vice president Aniket Hiramani says, “Of the 16 cross lanes spread over 34 acres, CSWs are limited to only three. Sachin Shetty of Mumbaicha Chintamani (formerly Kamathipura cha Chintamani) owes moortikar Naresh Mestry Rs 40,000 for the idol. Our mandal was started in 1941 by a Muslim policeman named Patel Bawa after his vow was fulfilled.
Because of the old misconception, secretary Aatish Patil says, “Many people are reluctant to visit Kamathipura. You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Mumbai | Silver Rate in Mumbai | Bank Holidays in Mumbai | Public Holidays in Mumbai | Mumbai AQI | Weather in Mumbai | Petrol Price in Mumbai | Diesel Price in Mumbai | CNG Price in Mumbai | LPG Price in Mumbai Stay updated with the latest Mumbai news. MUMBAI: A well kept secret of Mumbai’s Ganeshotsav is the treasure trove of grand Ganpati idols located in Kamathipura in South Mumbai. Each idol is just two minutes away. Most commercial sex workers (CSWs) are long gone. However the past reputation of the locality precedes it. Funds are scarce. Footfall is lower than Lalbaug-Parel and Khetwadi despite the fact that there are more moortis in the Kamathipura cluster. But it is a very safe area. One can roam freely at night also. The commercial sex workers (CSWs) are unobtrusive, they even confine themselves indoors if police ask them to. “They are IAS officers, bankers and graphic artists. I am a doctor. Our mandal is trying hard to extricate CSWs from the world’s oldest profession. All women perform seva and contribute to Ganeshotsav by bringing modaks and naivedya plates. We instill awareness about sexual health, try to find them jobs, arrange health camps. But Kamathipura is an area no corporate would like to enter,” he added. Kamathipura gets its name from the labour class. Our redevelopment plan may launch around Diwali. Some are afraid this will be the last Ganeshotsav. It was later helmed by five Muslim ganglords before coming to me. I am willing to mortgage myself, but nobody is funding me,” he added. Download the TOI App.
Anil Lakkabathini who heads the Mumbai Cha Ganadhyaksh of 10th Lane, explains that Kamathipura was named after the kamathis (labourers) from Telangana and Andhra Pradesh who migrated after 1795 and constructed Mumbai’s fabled structures like CST, BMC, high court and Rajabai Tower. The 81-year-old Ganadhyaksh is a magnificent 22-ft Vishnu Avatar idol. Filmmaker Dhaval Pitale of the 77-year-old Ganadhisha Mumbaicha, 11th Lane, says CSWs are now limited to just three lanes 11-13. “Our mandal is in the heart of the red light area in Lane 11. The 22-ft ‘baal swaroop’ Ganadhisha stands upon a lotus held in an elephant’s trunk.
Because people ridicule them, cSWs cannot go out and seek donations. Yet, stoically the third generation of the locality continues its Ganeshotsav tradition. These young men in their 30s are well educated, well spoken practising chartered accountants, doctors and engineers. They are trying hard to extricate Kamathipura from its blighted image by inviting Mumbaikars to see their Ganeshotsav celebrations. Their women make reels at midnight and post them on Instagram to impress how beautiful and safe Ganeshotsav in Kamathipura is. “In the late 19th and early 20th centuries it became known as the city’s red light district although traders lived here too. All members are well qualified, Lakkabathini himself is a chartered accountant. In fact a few Ganesh mandals have removed Kamathipura from their names. We are at pains to explain that all of Kamathipura is not a den. In fact CSWs and transgender persons actively help our Aadishakti mandal.
Today a new generation of educated residents is employed in business, banking, finance and govt sectors.