Overview

• Counting began Thursday in Mumbai with about 80 people assigned to the process, treasurer Mangesh Dattaram Dalvi said.
• Three donation boxes were placed for day one, and officials confirmed only the first has been opened so far.
• Video from the counting area showed garlands made of currency notes, stacks of cash, and foreign money including US dollars.
• Dalvi cited last year’s first-day tally of ₹48 lakh as the benchmark for assessing this year’s initial intake.
• The festival runs from August 27 to September 6, with Lalbaugcha Raja drawing large crowds and substantial offerings throughout.