‘Manta Ka Raja’ Pandal in Althan turns the centre of divinity in Surat

Surat : ‘Manta Ka Raja,’ a Lord Ganesha pandal organised by the Sairam Yuvak Mandal in Althan, Surat, has been a hub of devotion for innumerable devotees from Surat, neighbouring Maharashtra, and other areas in South Gujarat for the better part of a quarter of a century. Thousands of worshippers have put their faith in this holy site, and the wishes they’ve had granted there are now considered an honoured custom in the area.

Sairam Yuvak Mandal, in an effort to draw more people to the Ganesha pandal than in past years, has decorated it in the style of the magnificent Mysore Palace in South India.

Throughout the course of the ten-day celebration, the Sairam Yuvak Mandal has been busy with a wide variety of initiatives, including the distribution of notebooks to disadvantaged students, cultural performances, blood donation drives, united India prayer sessions, and aid for children living in poverty.

Tens of thousands of people have flocked to Althan to witness the’shobha yatra’ of Lord Ganesha, popularly known as the ‘Manta Ka Raja’ (King of Wishes). The Ganesha statue, a work of art made by world-famous craftsmen in Mumbai, serves as the focal point of worship.

Celebrity dhol performers from Mumbai and Haryana, DJ bands from Benzo, and more have added to the party atmosphere. In celebration of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthday on September 17, a 73-kilogram cake was created.

The organisers claim that the presence of Lord Ganesha at the ‘Manta Ka Raja’ pandal has brought the wishes of many worshippers to fruition. When their prayers are answered, worshippers sometimes give away carefully carved statues of Lord Ganesha as a token of their appreciation. Ganesha mangal murtis numbering in the 80s have been donated.

Over the years, this pandal has witnessed visits from prominent political figures, including former Chief Ministers of Gujarat, such as Narendra Modi, Anandiben Patel, and Vijay Rupani. Leaders like former Gujarat BJP president RC Faldu, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, and Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi have also paid their respects to Lord Ganesha at the Althan pandal.

The organizers proudly proclaim that people from diverse religious backgrounds converge at the ‘Manta Ka Raja’ pandal, united in their quest for blessings from Lord Ganesha. As the pandal continues to inspire faith and unity, it stands as a symbol of communal harmony and devotion in the heart of Surat.