Awards & Recognitions

Glory & Honors

From the centenary honour and Mayor’s Cup to Loksatta prizes and the Bharatiya Ratna Samman — a record of Babi Bandekar’s craft recognised across Mumbai and beyond.

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First prize, Mumbai Division (1992)

Orient–Samana Ganesh Darshan

For the 12-foot idol crafted for Sahyadri Krida Mandal, Chembur, during the public Ganeshotsav centenary year. The award was presented by Shiv Sena chief Balasaheb Thackeray.

Best Ganesh Sculptor (1992)

Mayor's Cup — Chembur

The Chembur division Mayor’s Cup for outstanding idol-maker was conferred by Mayor Shri Chandrakant Handore, recognising Babi Bandekar’s mastery in the same celebrated season.

Best Sculptor — Vashi to Panvel (1999)

Girnar Loksatta Ganesh Darshan

First prize for best sculptor for the idol of Prerna Seva Mandal, Sector 6, Vashi, Navi Mumbai — citation, emblem, and cash award.

Best Sculptor — First prize, Navi Mumbai to Panvel (2001)

Manikchand Loksatta Ganesh Darshan

First prize for best sculptor for the idol of Prerna Seva Mandal, Sector 6, Vashi — Manikchand Loksatta Ganesh Darshan competition 2001.

With Raj Thackeray

Civic & Cultural Honour

A civic and cultural moment recognising the workshop’s place in Maharashtra’s Ganeshotsav tradition — Babi Bandekar and the craft of Ganesh Chitra Mandir.

Best Sculptor & Best Idol (2018)

Loksatta Ganeshotsav Idol Competition

The 'Navsala Pavnara Maharaja' idol by Sculptor Babi Bandekar's Panchratnas for Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal, Sector 17, Vashi, won Best Idol and Best Sculptor from the Navi Mumbai region. Presented by Vaishali Samant at Ravindra Natya Mandir.

Loksatta Ganeshotsav Idol Competition (2018)

Best Idol

‘Navsala Pavnara Maharaja’ of Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal, Sector 10, Vashi, honoured as Best Idol from the Navi Mumbai division. Certificate signed by Girish Kuber, Editor, Loksatta.

Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Bharatiya Ratna Samman

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National Honour (2023)

Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Bharatiya Ratna Samman

Presented to Murtikar Babi Bandekar and the Panchratna team, Chembur, Mumbai, for exceptional artistry in Ganesh and Durga idols — preserving tradition through craftsmanship and teamwork (19 August 2023).