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‘The greatness of a culture can be found in its festivals’ quote by Siddharth Katragadda an Indian-American writer, perfectly describes the vibe of Indian Festivals. We all know Mumbaikars are always hyped about celebrations and festivals but amongst all, the most awaited and widely celebrated Indian festival is Ganesh Chaturthi!
‘Ganpati Bappa Morya,’ the only chant heard everywhere in Mumbai, is right around the corner, and we can’t keep calm. It’s time to visit your loved one’s house to receive blessings from Lord Ganesha, find aromas of flowers and sweets on the streets, and hear melodies of aartis everywhere. During Ganesh Chaturthi, Mumbai is transformed into a stunning display of unique pandals, making it tough to decide which one is best. The experience of Ganesh Chaturthi in Mumbai is a true blessing that one must witness.
As, Maharashtra is all set to celebrate Ganeshotsav, on 19th Sept, 2022. These pandals surely make the Ganesha celebration in Mumbai memorable, and if you’re wondering which ones are a must-see, continue reading.
1DGSBS Seva Mandal – Gold Ganesha of Mumbai
GSBS Seva Mandal is one of Mumbai’s richest Ganesh pandals, located at King Circle near Matunga. This famous Gold Ganesha of Mumbai is made of more than 60 kg of gold and is also one of the eco-friendly Ganesh idols in Mumbai. The Mandal is renowned for its traditional celebrations and religious pooja performance, letting devotees who maintain a suitable traditional attire partake in the religious rituals. This pandal is always packed with devotees since the Ganesh statue is only here for 5 days and one should definitely not miss it.
Location – GSB Sports Club Ground, Near SNDT Women’s College, King’s Circle, Matunga
Best time to visit – 6 AM to 11 PM
Attraction – The 14 feet tall gold adorned idol, traditional décor, and prasadam.
2Lalbaugcha Raja Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal, Lalbaug – World Famous Ganesh Idol
One of the most popular Ganesha idols in Mumbai is the Lalbaugcha Raja. Ganeshotsav in Mumbai is identified from the Lalbaugcha Raja idol. Located at the Lalbaugh market in Central Mumbai, it is undoubtedly the most visited Ganesh pandals in Mumbai. It is considered the ‘Navsacha Ganpati’ the ‘one who fulfils all wishes’ so even many famous personalities visit here to pray and make wishes with Bappa. The uniqueness of Lalbaugcha Raja is that the Ganesh statue has the same appearance and adornments every year, giving it a distinct identity and making it very well-known. You won’t be able to stand on the streets during the Ganesha Visarjan, which takes place after 11 days, as the devotees celebrate their farewell with vigour. The grandeur of Lalbaugcha Raja in Mumbai is just unmissable.
Location – Lalbaug market, GD Goenka Road, Lalbaug
Best time to visit – Anytime during the day.
Attraction – 18-20 feet tall Ganesha idol, Padya pujan, Aagman Sohala, Décor, Visarjan Sohala.
3Ganesh Gali Mumbaicha Raja – The Oldest Ganesh Mandal
Ganesh Gali Ganpati Idol known as Mumbaicha Raja is one of the oldest and most popular Ganesh Pandal in Mumbai. Located just a few lanes away from Lalbaugcha Raja, it is adored by many Mumbaikars for decades. The pandal is well-known for presenting unique and creative décor themes every year. The Ganesh Gali Mandal is also famous for promoting eco-friendly Ganeshotsav by creating a natural idol of Ganesha that’s environmentally friendly. Ganesha statue remains for 10 days so don’t miss a chance to visit here.
Location – Ganesh Galli, Lalbaug
Best time to visit – Anytime during the day
Attraction – 22 feet tall Ganesh statue, Décor, Padya pujan, Visarjan sohala, Prasadam.
4Chinchpokli Cha Raja, Chintamani – Mumbaicha Chintamani
Chinchpokli Cha Raja, also known as Chintamani, is a “wish-fulfilling jewel” known not only for its Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations but also for its grand greeting ritual that takes place at Chinchpokli. Many devotees attend this Aagman and express their heartfelt gratitude to Lord Ganesha as they welcome him. Chintamani Pandal is uniquely designed and used to house a massive idol. What’s the best part? Throughout the year, about 60% of the money collected by the Mandal is used on social services. The late Vijay Khatu made an 18-foot Ganesh idol every year. Two years ago the pandal was inspired by the blockbuster epic film Baahubali. “It was Khatu sir’s final idol.” and one of the first to be done by his daughter Reshma Khatu. Even if the Chinchpokli Cha Chintamani Ganesha statue is no longer massive, Mumbaikars’ enthusiasm for its 10-day stay remains as passionate as it was.
Location – Dattaram Lad Marg, Outside Chinchpokli station
Best time to visit – 10 AM to 5 PM
Attraction – Padya pujan, Aagman sohala, 23 feet tall Ganesh statue, Visarjan sohala.
5Khetwadicha Ganraj – Mumbai’s Tallest Ganesh Idol
This award-winning Khetwadi Ganraj is said to be one of Mumbai’s most beautiful Ganesh idols in Mumbai. The Mandal has been known as the ‘Sarvajanik Shree Ganeshotsav Khetwadi Mandal’ since 1970 when the area was teeming with Parsi, Marathi, Muslim, Christians, and Hindus who all supported Lokmanya Tilak’s initiative to foster unity via the Ganesh Utsav celebration. The Mandal rose to fame for creating the largest Ganesh statue in Indian history, which was 40 feet tall. One of the most appealing aspects of the Khetwadi Cha Ganraj idol is that there is a Ganesh idol in almost every lane in the neighborhood.
Location – 12th Lane Khetwadi, Girgaum
Best time to visit – Anytime during the day
Attraction – 28-35 feet tall Ganesha idol, Décor, Aagman sohala, Visarjan sohala.
6Andhericha Raja – Suburbs Famous Ganesha
Andhericha Raja is as well-known in the suburbs as Lalbaugcha Raja is in South Bombay, so visit both when you’re looking for the most famous Ganesh Pandals in Mumbai. During Ganesh Chaturthi, many celebrities and well-known personalities visit there. Every year, the idol looks the same, and the Mandal has been working towards being more environmentally friendly since last year. The Mandal was created in 1966 by Tobacco Company, Tata Special Steel, and Excel Industries Ltd personnel who relocated from Lalbaug to Andheri. Every year, Andhericha Raja Mandal has a broad and innovative theme, making it one of Mumbai’s most famous Ganesh Pandals.
Location – Veera Desai Road, Azad Nagar, Andheri (West)
Best time to visit – 5 AM to 12 PM
Attraction – 12-15 feet tall Ganesha idol, Décor, Prasadam, Aarti, Visarjan sohala.
7Girgaon Cha Raja – Famous Eco-Friendly Ganesh in Mumbai
Lokmanya Tilak established the first and oldest Mandal, Keshavi Naik Chawl Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal in Girgaum. He was the first to place a big clay statue of Lord Ganesh in a public spot, starting off the 10 day celebration. This Mandal’s Ganesh idol is crafted of Shadu clay and is eco-friendly. The idol is elegantly embellished with the traditional Maharashtrian Pheta (Turban), which has been synonymous with it through the years.
Location – Charni Road Railway Station
Best time to visit – Anytime during the day
Attraction – 18-20 feet tall Ganesh statue, Decor, Aarti, Aagman sohala, Visarjan sohala.
Ganesh Chaturthi is among the most grand celebrations in Mumbai, with people having plenty of fun and excitement. If you have the opportunity, you should definitely experience Ganesh Chaturthi in Mumbai.
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