The Siddhivinayak temple in Mumbai is being recreated by the Maharashtra Mandal, with the help of local artisans, for Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations starting September 5.

The organisation, functioning since 1960, has roped in Mumbai-based artisans to create the marquee for this year's celebrations.

Around 300 members of the organisation will participate, and around Rs 10 lakh shall be spent on this year's celebration.

"This time, the Ganesha idol will be 30ft high. The artisans are preparing a replica of Mumbai's famous Lalbaugcha Raja idol. The idol will arrive at Maharashtra Mandal a day prior to the celebrations of September 4. The pandal decorators have been called from Mumbai, while floral arrangements are being made from Calcutta," said the secretary of Maharashtra Mandal, Sanjay Bhosle.

"This time we have called a person from Mumbai who will help guests to wear the Maharashtran Pheta (a style of wearing turban in Maharashtra). The men will wear kurta-pyjama and the pheta, while ladies will drape themselves in traditional nauvari saris (a 9m-sari)."

"A Mumbai-based dance troupe will perform the traditional Maharashtrian dances such as Jhansi-Jhans performed to the accompaniment of instruments like the dhol. Women members of the community will perform the traditional Goan Fugdi dance."

"Following the Maharashtrian rituals, women will organise a haldi-kumkum ceremony on September 9, in order to apply turmeric on the idol, followed by an exchange of vermilion among themselves to wish their husbands long lives," said Bhosle.

The priest performing the puja will be from Mumbai," Bhosle added.

Five types of modak (Lord Ganesha's favourite sweet), will be offered to lord Ganesha apart from laddoo and payasam.

The distribution of mahaprasad among devotees will be done on September 9 and September 11.

"On the day of visarjan (immersion of the idol), a tableau will be organised prior to the function in which devotees walk from Daroga Rai Path to Collectorate Ghat via Income Tax Golambar, Dakbungalow Road and Bakarganj," said Bhosle.

Marathis are looking forward to the Ganesh Chaurthi celebrations of the Maharashtra Mandal.

The Patna Municipal Corporation additional municipal commissioner (sanitation and planning), Shirshat Kapil Ashok, who participated in the celebrations last year, said he will take a day off from work to participate in the Mandal's celebration.

"We also celebrate at home, but I like the traditional manner in which the Maharashtra Mandal plans to celebrate," he said.

Inspector-general of Bhagalpur, Sushil M. Khopde said: "As of now I am very busy with flood relief work. If the flood situation improves, I will be able to participate in this year's celebration," he said.