Ganesh Chaturthi 2025: What mandals insurance covers and how much it costs

As Ganesh Chaturthi approaches, Mumbai’s mandals are not just preparing idols and decorations but also securing hefty insurance covers to safeguard the celebrations.

This year, the GSB Seva Mandal at King’s Circle has taken headlines by purchasing a record-breaking ₹474.4 crore insurance policy, the highest ever by any Ganesh mandal in India. The cover, provided by state-owned New India Assurance, protects everything from the adorned idol and its gold and silver jewellery to the hundreds of volunteers who keep the festival running.

What the cover includes

Insurance for mandals typically extends well beyond decorations. At GSB, the policy covers:

• Volunteers and workers — the largest share protects cooks, priests, security guards, valet staff, and others, ensuring compensation in case of injury or death while on duty.
• Jewellery and ornaments — this year valued at ₹67 crore, up from ₹43 crore in 2024, reflecting rising gold and silver prices.
• Public liability — ₹30 crore against risks linked to massive gatherings.
• Fire and hazard cover — for fixtures, furniture, and the festival premises.
• Wider risk protection — including fire, theft, earthquake, accidents, and even emergencies during visarjan processions.

A growing practice

The GSB Mandal’s insurance has steadily risen — ₹360.40 crore in 2023, ₹400.58 crore in 2024, and now ₹474.4 crore in 2025 — mirroring the scale of celebrations and the soaring value of gold and silver offerings.

Other popular mandals also insure themselves. For instance, Lalbaugcha Raja, Mumbai’s most visited pandal, had a ₹32.76 crore policy in 2024, covering its set, property, jewellery, workers, and third-party liabilities.

Why mandals opt for insurance

Large festivals bring both grandeur and risk. With lakhs of devotees visiting daily, mandals are responsible for managing safety, valuables, and smooth organisation. Insurance policies typically cover:

• Idols, sets, pandals, and electrical fittings
• Gold and silver ornaments adorning the idols
• Volunteers, priests, and staff
• Public liability in case of accidents, stampedes, or incidents like food poisoning
• Risks during immersion processions

Insurers in the space

Festival insurance is largely handled by public sector insurers — New India Assurance, National Insurance, Oriental Insurance, and United India Insurance. Private insurers usually stay away, citing skewed risk and high exposure.

(Edited by : Anshul)