Sabke Bappa @ Sassoon Docks
Dariya Sagar Mitra Mandal’s Pandal at Sassoon Docks, year after year, becomes the spiritual heart of thousands living away from their homes. Ganpati serves as a reminder that faith, no matter where one comes from, unites people in the most extraordinary ways, writes Manu Shrivastava
At Mumbai’s historic Sassoon Docks, the pulse of the city beats in tandem with the unrelenting tides. Migrant workers from the vast expanses of India—hailing from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu—arrive here, driven by the singular goal of earning an honest living.
The Docks, a melting pot of cultures, languages, and dreams, offer these men and women more than just work; they provide a sense of belonging, a community that rises from the harsh grind of daily life.
These labourers, whether pulling hand-carts, cracking ice, or navigating the chaotic rhythm of boats arriving with the city’s daily catch, have woven their own stories into the fabric of Sassoon Docks.
Every year, during Ganeshutsav, a profound transformation takes place. While these workers remain distant from their homes and families, they find solace in worshipping Bappa at Sassoon Docks. For them, Ganpati is not just a deity; he is their family, a guardian who stands by them when they cannot be with their loved ones during this festive time. "People come from very far to work," says Ashok Gaikwad, a local representative.
"For all these people, Sassoon Docks is like a home away from home, and Ganpati has been protecting them all this while."
The Dariya Sagar Mitra Mandal’s Pandal at the docks, year after year, becomes the spiritual heart of these communities.
This year, the Ganpati idol draws its inspiration from none other than the revered Ram Lalla at Ayodhya’s Ram Temple. It is a decision heavy with meaning, for it strikes at the very core of contemporary Indian identity.
In a socio-political climate charged with nationalism and devotion, the choice of this particular form of the deity reflects a sentiment that transcends religious worship. It mirrors the nation’s collective consciousness, where devotion and pride intersect.
The mandal's decision has resonated deeply within the community, signaling not just faith, but unity and a sense of belonging.
Jaya Patil, the wife of a fisherman who has worked at Sassoon Docks for years, paints an intimate picture of the festival’s impact on the families connected to the docks. "No one actually lives here at Sassoon Docks," she explains. "But during Ganeshutsav, we all come together as one big family." The women, bound by tradition and faith, take on the responsibility of preparing prasad and food for the bhandara, an act of devotion that transcends mere religious obligation.
For ten days, the festival transforms the docks into a haven of communal harmony, with prayers echoing through the air, and the fragrance of incense mingling with the salty breeze of the Arabian Sea. But it is at the close of the festival, during the Visarjan, that the true depth of their bond with Ganpati is revealed. As Bappa departs, leaving the dock workers and their families with memories and blessings, a sense of loss lingers in the air.
"Our daughters often cry when Bappa leaves," says Jaya. "They miss him dearly." In their tears lies the undeniable reality that, for these workers and their families, Ganpati is more than just a deity. He is a symbol of hope, protection, and the ties that bind them together, far from their native soil but never far from faith.
In this microcosm of India, where the docks hum with the daily grind and the struggles of survival, Ganpati serves as a reminder that faith, no matter where one comes from, unites people in the most extraordinary ways.
The story of Sassoon Docks’ Ganpati is not just one of devotion, but of resilience, community, and a belief that, amidst the chaos, there is always a divine presence watching over them.
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