Archive · 14 Sep 2026
Bhuleshwar Mandal Chooses Simple Ganeshotsav After Idol Collapse Tragedy
A very large Ganpati idol fell during a festival procession in Mumbai.
The idol was about 22 feet tall and weighed nearly two tonnes.
Two people died, and five others were hurt.
The accident happened while the idol was being moved from Byculla.
Police are examining the broken metal structure to understand why it failed.
They have also spoken to about 20 people, including the sculptor.
The festival group has decided to use a much smaller, two-foot idol this year.
They want to celebrate with prayers and simplicity because of the tragedy.
The group is also discussing help for the victims’ families and injured people.
A 22-foot Plaster of Paris Ganpati idol collapsed during an arrival procession in South Mumbai’s Bhuleshwar area.
The incident killed two people and injured five others, including two girls.
The nearly two-tonne idol collapsed around 10 p.m. on Balaram Merchant Road near Kabutarkhana and Jai Ambe Chowk.
LT Marg police sent the damaged idol’s metal structure to a forensic laboratory and recorded about 20 statements.
The mandal will install a two-foot idol and hold a simple 10-day Ganeshotsav this year.
- Who
- The Bhuleshwarcha Raja Ganeshotsav Mandal, devotees, police, and the idol’s sculptor were involved; two people died and five were injured.
- What
- A 22-foot Ganpati idol collapsed during its arrival procession, prompting an investigation and a decision to hold a simpler festival.
- When
- The collapse occurred around 10 p.m. on Saturday; the forensic report is expected in about 10 to 15 days, and Ganeshotsav will be held for 10 days.
- Where
- The incident occurred on Balaram Merchant Road near Kabutarkhana and Jai Ambe Chowk in Bhuleshwar, South Mumbai.
- Why
- Police are investigating the structural failure and possible negligence or safety-norm violations; the mandal chose a simpler celebration because of the deaths and injuries.
- Idol size
- 22 feet
- Idol material
- Plaster of Paris
- Approximate weight
- Nearly two tonnes
- Deaths
- Two people
- Injuries
- Five people, including two girls
- New festival idol
- Two feet
- Forensic report
- Expected in approximately 10 to 15 days