Key points
- Ganesh Chaturthi falls on 27 August 2025; installations begin the same day in Mumbai and across India.
- Mumbai’s GSB Seva Mandal (King’s Circle) secures record ₹474.4 crore insurance cover for this year’s celebrations.
- Cover includes: personal accident for volunteers/staff, gold-silver jewellery, public liability, fire and special perils (incl. earthquake).
- Personal accident cover alone is ₹375 crore; jewellery and other risks ₹67 crore; public liability ₹30 crore; fire & special perils ₹2 crore.
- Bappa’s idol was adorned with 69kg gold and ~336kg silver last year; 2025 ornament details to be announced by the Mandal.
Mumbai: The festival of Ganesh Chaturthi will be celebrated on 27 August this year, with iconic installations and cultural processions beginning the same day. In Mumbai, the Gaud Saraswat Brahmin (GSB) Seva Mandal at King’s Circle renowned for hosting the city’s most opulent and traditionally rich Ganpati has confirmed a record insurance of ₹474.4 crore for 2025, surpassing last year’s ₹400.8 crore.
What’s behind the big insurance jump
GSB cites two primary drivers for the enhanced cover:
- Rising valuation of gold and silver ornaments used to adorn Lord Ganesha.
- Higher number of volunteers and service staff, requiring expanded personal accident coverage.
New India Assurance is the insurer for this comprehensive policy, which is structured to protect devotees, volunteers, valuables, and the pandal infrastructure throughout the festival period.
Detailed insurance breakup
- ₹375 crore: Personal accident insurance for a large volunteer and staff base, including achaks (palanquin bearers), cooks, gaddidars (seat/altar attendants), chappal-stall workers, valet parking staff, and security personnel.
- ₹67 crore: Cover for gold-silver jewellery and other associated risks.
- ₹30 crore: Public liability cover to safeguard against third-party incidents within the pandal premises.
- ₹2 crore: Standard fire and special perils policy, including earthquake risk, for infrastructure and equipment protection.
Note: The Mandal has not disclosed premium amounts paid for the 2025 policy.
Gold and silver adornment: what to expect
- 2023: Idol adorned with 66kg gold and 295kg silver.
- 2024: Idol adorned with 69kg gold and ~336kg silver.
- 2025: Final tally of ornaments will be announced closer to the installation; the Mandal has not yet shared figures.
GSB King’s Circle: crowd, culture, and tight security
The GSB Seva Mandal’s public Ganesh Utsav is in its 71st year, drawing lakhs of devotees, including film and sports celebrities. The committee is known for meticulous arrangements:
- Safety-first: Last year’s pandal was fully fire-proof; the five-day venue rent stood at approximately ₹1.5 crore.
- Tech-enabled darshan: Access managed via QR codes to streamline queues and improve crowd control.
- Surveillance and crowd management: Facial recognition cameras and an expanded on-ground volunteer/security presence were deployed to enhance safety and traceability.
Expect similar, if not upgraded, protocols in 2025 given the increased scale of insurance and anticipated footfall.
Devotee advisory for 2025
- Plan darshan early: Peak crowds are expected on weekends and during aarti times—use official queue systems and recommended time slots where available.
- Keep valuables minimal: While jewellery is covered, devotee safety is paramount—travel light and follow security instructions.
- Follow digital entry norms: Keep QR or e-pass details handy (if mandated); cooperate with scanning and frisking protocols.
- Senior citizens and children: Prefer non-peak hours; use designated lanes where provided.
What’s next to watch
- Official announcement of 2025 ornament weights and special decorations.
- Final festival schedule: aarti timings, cultural programs, and visargan day traffic advisories.
- Transportation and safety guidelines from Mumbai Police and civic authorities for King’s Circle and surrounding areas.
