New theme for Ganesha festival- Anna Hazare and anti-graft stir

Each year the Thanawala family in South Mumbai celebrates the auspicious Ganesh festival, with a popular theme.

No wonder then, that this year's theme, in the wake of Anna Hazare's 13-day fast, is about the Gandhian's campaign against corruption. The 10-day festival begins tomorrow.

"Everyone supported Anna and raised their voice against corruption by wearing a white Gandhi cap with the words 'I Am Anna' written across on both the sides," Umesh Thanawala, who stays at Thanawala building near Thakurdwar, said.

The Ganpati idol in the building has the God of Wisdom showing his solidarity with Anna and the masses by wearing a white Gandhi cap, he said.

At the feet of Ganesh is a rat, signifying the common man, and sports a white dhoti and vest with a white cap. Another rat is depicted wearing an orange dhoti, signifying spiritual support across religions, he said.

"A copy of the Jan Lokpal bill is 'presented' before Lord Ganesh idol and the rats are shown praying to Lord Ganesh for his divine intervention to rid the country of corruption," he said.

Last year, the theme at the Thanawala building was the cricket world cup.