No Skirts, Half Pants Allowed At Andhericha Raja

Next time you visit Mumbai's famous Ganpati Mandal of 'Andhericha Raja' in short skirts or half pants, you will not be allowed entry. But interestingly, you will find lungis for men and pyjamas for women kept aside, for you to wear.

Fifth year in the row, the Mandal has banned people from entering with half pants and short skirts.

But interestingly, this year, the Mandal has kept pyjamas and lungis for people coming with inappropriate clothing.

Azad Nagar Sarvajanik Utsav Samiti popular mandal of Andhericha Raja located in Andheri west is very popular among Mumbaikars and also attracts several Bollywood celebrities every year.

The Mandal is celebrating its 53rd year.

Commenting on the issue, treasurer Subodh Chitnis said, "Five years back one actress came with very short dress. The incident had put very bad image and several devotees had asked us to ban people from wearing short dresses. After this, we had meetings with senior citizens, residents, devotees and committee members and passed a rule that people wearing short dresses won't be allowed inside the mandal. Even few celebrities were in favour of this ban."

Chitnis said, "Several celebrities come with proper clothing- sarees or full length dresses. Priyanka Chopra and Shilpa Shetty always come to the Mandal. Even Rakhi Sawant comes to the Mandal wearing a saree or a full length dress. Rule is same for all."

The Mandal, in its 51st year, has recreated Kunkeshwar Mandir of Devgarh, Sindhudurg in Maharashtra. Huge set up is made and is the centre of attraction.

Spokesperson of the Mandal Uday Salian said, "People should follow traditions and rituals. We are not stopping or against people wearing shorts in public or home. We are just requesting that when they offer pooja, proper cloths should be worn."

He said, "Several college students and locals come wearing short dress. So, we have kept lungis and pyjamas for them. Prayers should be offered with proper respect to god. It is both a request and dadagiri."

Anil Kapoor and actress Urvashi Rautela will be coming to the Mandal today evening to offer prayers to Ganpati Bappa.