Celebrating the birth of Lord Ganesha, Ganpati Festival is observed on a grand scale in Mumbai. The city comes alive with colour and street processions, making it one of the most interesting ones to see. So if you are planning to visit Mumbai sometime soon, then try to make it during this festival which will take place from September 9th to September19th this year.
The vibrant city of Mumbai
Watch the artists at work
The preparations for Ganesh Chaturthi start a lot earlier in the year, with work on the giant idols starting several months in advance. Artisans from all over the state of Maharashtra come to Mumbai to do this auspicious work. They create huge idols of Lord Ganesha to be worshipped by the people of Mumbai either in the streets or in private ceremonies.
Some companies offer tours where you can see the artists at work, moulding, and lovingly decorating the idols in huge factories. The best time to see the idols being created is in the weeks just before Ganpati Festival begins, so you can see the finishing touches being added to the statues. In some communities, prizes are awarded for the best statues. Take your time and walk through the streets of Mumbai, you are sure not to be disappointed with the visions on display.
Photo Credit : Hrushikesh Kulkarni / Wikimedia
The climax for this Hindu festival is the immersion or Ganesh Visarjan. Whilst immersions are conducted on several days throughout the festival, the most exciting day to attend is Anant Chatudarshi, which this year will be held on September 19th. It is in the Arabian Sea that the largest idols are brought with a grand procession that overtakes the streets of Mumbai. You can either watch street-side or take part in the procession.
Where to See Ganesh Chaturthi
The largest and most famous Ganesha statue can be found at Lalbaug in central Mumbai. Millions flock to pay their respects to the Lalbaugcha Raja. If you would prefer to avoid the crowds it is best to visit on a weekday, but be prepared to still wait several hours to view this incredible site. This idol can be viewed until the grand procession to the beach slowly winds it way down the streets of Mumbai from Lalbaug, through Byculla and to Girgaum.
Just around the corner is the Mumbaicha Raja that has different themes each year, making it an interesting one to visit. The themes cover a wide range of topics from Indian history to different aspects of famous pilgrimage sites, and form the basis for the statue’s lavish decoration. Thankfully there are generally smaller crowds than for Mumbaicha Raja, which makes it a good option to visit if you have limited time.
Photo Credit: ninadism / Wikimedia
One of the most famous Ganpati idols would have to be the KhetwadiGanraj, which is close to Chowpatty beach in Girgaum. Famous for having the highest Ganesha idol in 2000, it towered above the crowd at 40 feet high, the KhetwadiGanraj has been known to glisten with gold and diamonds. But if it is gold that you want, then you have to visit the GSBSeva Ganesh Mandel in Matunga; this pandal is adorned in brilliant gold.
By far the most popular place to watch the Ganesh Visarjan is Chowpatty Beach in South Mumbai. You can either follow the processions or find yourself a position on Marine Drive and settle in for this spectacular site. There is nothing like watching thousands of people make their way along the road, with hundreds of brilliantly colouredGaneshas floating above them.
Photo Credit: Chetan Gole / Wikimedia
Further north, Juhu Beach is also a great vantage point, as is Versova beach in Andheri. For something different, why not see a lake immersion by visiting the northern suburb of Powai. Surrounded by greenery, Powai Lake receives many smaller but nonetheless beautiful statues. Even if you can’t see an immersion, you can still participate in the festivities by witnessing some ceremonies, like those undertaken at Shivaji Park near the auspicious Siddhi Vinayak Temple in Prabhadevi.
Photo Credit: Roshans Album / Wikimedia
Want to be part of Ganesh Chaturthi? MakeMyTrip offers flights, trains, buses and packages to Mumbai.