Since it would be a long distance to go to Lalbaugcha Raja, they decided to start their own Ganesh celebrations on a modest scale,' Salian explained.

Andhericha Raja is the only major idol which does not go for immersion on the 10th day of the celebrations, which this year start Aug 23. The Andhericha Raja is immersed only on the first 'Sankashthi Day' which falls after Ananta Chaturdeshi.

This year, Andhericha Raja will be worshipped till Sep 8 which is considered the very auspicious Angarika Sankashthi Day, according to Salian, although all other Ganesh idols would have been immersed Sep 3.

Explaining the significance, city astrologer Milan Thakar said that Angarika Sankashthi is a holy day of fasting for Hindus and comes only twice a year.

Interestingly, the decision to immerse the Andhericha Raja was also the outcome of a wish fulfilled by a former chairman of the ARSGM, Appa Khanvilkar.

'Around 1975, he had prayed that if his wish was fulfilled, he would ensure that the immersion would take place, not on the traditional 10th day, but on the first Sankashthi Day after Anant Chaturdashi. Lord Ganesh answered his prayer in just one month, and the tradition started since 1975,' Salian recalled.

It was also from that year that Andhericha Raja acquired the reputation of 'Navasala Pavnara Ganpati' (Ganesh who fulfils wishes) among the Mumbaikars, he said.

Little wonder that the five kilos silver mouse at the feet of the idol is donated, as also some jewellery and other personal effects adorning the Andhericha Raja. Next year, a devotee will donate a 10 kg silver umbrella which will be installed above the idol's head.

Besides, there are scores of gold and silver figures of houses, cottages, babies, arms, legs and other body parts, artefacts and decorative pieces, all donated by devotees whose wishes were fulfilled, said Salian.

Presently, the ARSGM is busy with the last-minute details to welcome over 150,000 devotees daily, ranging from commoners to celebrities, paupers and politicians, all of them coming to bow before their favoured Lord Ganesh, either out of devotion or to seek fulfilment of some desires.