Archive · 19 Sep 2026
Bhiwandi Family’s Ganpati Display Revives Chawl-Era Community Memories
A family in Bhiwandi made a special Ganpati decoration about life in old chawls.
The display is called “Aapli Athvaninchi Chawl,” which means “Our Chawl Memories.”
It shows neighbours sharing festivals, watching films and helping each other.
It also shows women meeting at a common water tap.
The display says that chawl homes were small, but people cared deeply for one another.
It then compares this with modern high-rise buildings.
People now may have larger homes and better facilities, but neighbours can sometimes remain strangers.
The family wants visitors to think about how communities and friendships have changed.
The Dnyaneshwar Chintewar family created a Ganpati decoration in Bhiwandi’s Manasarovar.
Their display, titled “Aapli Athvaninchi Chawl,” recreates everyday life in old chawl neighbourhoods.
Scenes show shared festivals, film screenings, water-tap interactions and neighbours helping one another.
The presentation contrasts chawl-era community bonds with more private life in high-rise apartments.
Its message asks whether social togetherness has kept pace with improved housing and amenities.
- Who
- The Dnyaneshwar Chintewar family of Manasarovar, Bhiwandi.
- What
- Created a Ganpati decoration portraying the contrast between chawl-era community life and modern high-rise living.
- When
- During the family’s Ganpati celebration; the articles do not specify a date.
- Where
- Manasarovar in Bhiwandi.
- Why
- To reflect on changing residential life and whether community relationships have weakened as people moved into larger homes and high-rise buildings.
- Display title
- Aapli Athvaninchi Chawl, meaning “Our Chawl Memories”
- Creators
- The Dnyaneshwar Chintewar family
- Location
- Manasarovar, Bhiwandi
- Festival
- Ganeshotsav
- Chawl scenes
- Shared festivals, film viewing, water-tap interactions and neighbours helping during difficulties
- Central message
- “The chawl was small, but hearts were big.”
- Modern contrast
- High-rise residents may live on the same floor while remaining strangers to one another