If you know Mumbai, you know that ten days out of the year, the city is seeped in colours red, yellow, and orange, streets are littered with showers of marigolds and the air buzzes with an electric energy. Yes, we are talking about the beloved Ganesh Chaturthi! From an abundance of delicious bite-sized modaks to beautiful grand pandals housing larger-than-life idols of Lord Ganesha, the Ganpati festival is no less than an enigma. To give you a taste of the festival, we bring you a curated list of the best Ganpati pandals you must see in Mumbai!
1. Lalbaugcha Raja
Deemed to be icchapurti, this grand idol is said to fulfil all your wishes! Frequented by businessmen and celebrities, this extravagant pandal totals a whopping one crore visitors throughout the ten days.
2. Chinchpoklicha Chintamani
With stunning decorations adorning the pandal, pilgrims come from across the country to visit the beautiful pandal.
3. GSB Seva Mandal
The costliest pandal in the city, GSB Seva Mandal, is insured for a whopping 474.64 crores, decked with gold and silver ornaments, among other precious stones. The stunning idol is a definite must-see!
4. Khetwadicha Ganraj
Winner of numerous awards, this pandal is one of the oldest Ganesh pandals in the city of Mumbai. A legacy, Khetwadicha Ganraj, boasts elegant decor and a charming atmosphere.
5. Andhericha Raja
Hosting one of the longest visarjans in the city that goes on till the crack of dawn, its procession is the place to be with bundles of music, flowers, and lots of dancing!
6. Mumbaicha Raja
Beautiful decorations and a 22ft Ganpati idol at this pandal, Mumbaicha Raja draws inspiration from famous temples, drawing thousands of devotees every year.
7. Kalachowkicha Mahaganpati
This idol stands tall among the narrow lanes of Kalachowkicha, offering a charming yet spirited Ganpati celebration. It is recommended to visit the pandal during the early hours, as the afternoon rush can get quite difficult to navigate.
8. Girgaoncha Raja
This stunning, huge idol is completely eco-friendly, made with shadu clay and grass. Being one of the city’s iconic pandals for nearly a century, it is an absolute must-visit this festive season.