Daijiworld Media Network- Mumbai

Mumbai, Aug 17: The GSB Seva Mandal of King’s Circle, Mumbai, recognized as the city’s richest Ganesh mandal, has procured a record insurance cover of Rs 474.46 crore for this year’s Ganeshotsav. Last year, the cover stood at Rs 400 crore.

The rise has been attributed to higher valuation of gold and silver ornaments, along with the inclusion of additional volunteers and priests. The insurance policy has been issued by New India Assurance.

Of the total cover, Rs 67 crore is for gold, silver, and jewels, compared to Rs 43 crore in 2024 and Rs 38 crore in 2023. The largest share of Rs 375 crore is for personal accident insurance, covering volunteers, priests, cooks, valets, and security guards. Fire and special peril cover including earthquake remains at Rs 2 crore, while public liability insurance amounts to Rs 30 crore. Additionally, Rs 43 lakh covers fire and special peril for the venue premises.

GSB Seva Mandal chairman Amit Pai stated that the sharp rise in gold prices has pushed up the valuation. The deity will be adorned with 66 kg gold ornaments and 336 kg silver this year.

The mandal’s Ganeshotsav will be held from August 27 to 31. Special arrangements have been made for crowd management, with elevated entry systems for puja donors.