Rs 2-crore flower sent anonymously for Dagdushet Ganesh

Pune: The 118-year-old Shrimant Dagdushet Halwai Ganapati Mandal is richer by Rs 2 crore. An anonymous devotee has gifted a platinum sunflower to its idol this year.

"We have received a unique platinum sunflower with gold plating and a crust of diamonds in the middle. It probably weighs over a kg," said Ashok Godse, president of the mandal.

The mandal authorities have been asked not to disclose the identity of the donor. "The donor has requested us to be discreet, so we cannot reveal anything," said Mahesh Suryavanshi, treasurer of the mandal.

Two years ago, an unknown devotee had donated a nine-kg gold necklace worth Rs 2 crore to Shrimant Dagdushet Ganapati. At that time also the donor did not wish to reveal his identity.

Prataprao Godse, former president of the mandal, said in 2006 also an Non-Resident Indian had donated a golden seat worth Rs 1 crore. "We have been using the golden seat for the Ganapati at the permanent temple constructed near Vishrambaug police station," said Prataprao Godse.

Fatechand Ranka, president of Maharashtra State Jewellers Federation, said: "Despite the rise in price of gold and silver, purchase of ornaments this festival is phenomenal."

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Noted jewellers like P N Gadgil had made a golden dhoti (cloth) for Dagdushet Ganapati four years ago.

Kasba Ganapati and Tambadi Jogeshwari, the two prestigious Ganapati mandals have made silver crown and seat for their idols by spending Rs 35 lakhs on each. Some politicians are also donating gold and silver to local Ganapati mandals.