Mumbai is the city that never sleeps. It is the city of dreams for many. And it is an equally amazing place to celebrate some of the most popular Indian festivities. To talk about festivals, Mumbaikars wait throughout the year for the grand Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations in and around the city. The locals and people from all over the country visit Mumbai during this time, to be a part and get a glimpse of the magnificent festivities. So, here’s our take on Ganesh Chaturthi in Mumbai.
Ganesh Chaturthi 2020
The festival is celebrated on the fourth day after the new moon of the Hindu month of Bhadrapada. This year, Ganesh Chaturthi will begin on August 22 2020, and will extend over eleven days, with the last day falling on the auspicious day of Anant Chaturdashi.
Celebrated in the honour of the beloved Lord Ganesha, Ganesh Chaturthi is also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi, is one of the most important festivals for the Hindus. It mainly involves the worshipping of an idol of Lord Ganesha in a temple or pandal, and at the end of the festival, the idol is immersed in water, in a process known as visarjan.
Though it’s a Hindu festival which is celebrated all over the country, certain areas and regions are more pompous in terms of celebrations. The most extravagant and elaborate ceremonies take place in Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Karnataka.
Ganesh Chaturthi in Mumbai, Maharashtra
Though the Ganesh Chaturthi in Mumbai is celebrated with much grandeur in many parts of the country, nothing, however, comes close to the enthusiasm and the grand scale of events that takes place in Mumbai. The festival was initially introduced by the Maratha ruler Shivaji Raje in his days; however, it was the freedom fighter Lokmanya Tilak who provided the impetus to make this into a public event.
The motive behind this was gathered people of all faiths to unite against the British rule. Serving its purpose, it went on to become one of Mumbai’s grandest festivals celebrated by everyone regardless of their faiths.
The local communities take much pride in organising the event and have healthy competition to outdo one another every year. Numerous communities organise their events across Mumbai on both small and large scales with more than 1, 50,000 Ganesh Visarjan happening each year. But some events surpass even the large scale and have become an institution where every year crores of devotees flock to see the idols.
There are five famous Ganesh Mandals that witness more than a million devotees each day, growing more every year. Thus Ganesh Chaturthi in Mumbai witnesses the grandest celebration of the elephant deity as compared to any other state or region in India.
Five must-visit places (Pandals) that make the most of Ganesh Chaturthi in Mumbai
1. Lalbaugcha Raja (Lalbaug – Central Mumbai) Undoubtedly the most popular Ganesh Chaturthi in Mumbai, if the sheer size of the statue doesn’t astonish you, look at the constant line of devotees that is formed to see the idol up close. Apart from its grandeur, it is also the most revered Ganesh Mandal in Mumbai.
2. Ganesh Galli Mumbaicha Raja (Central Mumbai)
Located near Lalbaugcha Raja, one of the oldest mandals in Mumbai, it lost its popularity to Lalbaughcha Raja in the 1990s however it still manages to pull a respectable number of crowds because of its elaborate themes of replicas of famous places in Mumbai.
3. Khetwadi Ganraj (Grigaim – South Mumbai)
Of all the famous statues, this one is considered to be the most magnificent often decked with gold and diamonds. It’s been credited of hosting the tallest Ganesh idol in the history of Ganesh Chaturthi in Mumbai.
4. GSB Seva Ganesh Mandal (King’s Circle – Central Mumbai)
Famous for the eco-friendly statue made with clay and more than 60 kilograms of gold. The stunning the statue glittering in the festive lights is quite a sight. It is touted to be the richest Ganesh Chaturthi organisers in the city and every year; they showcase Ganesha in the most extravagant manner.
5. Andhericha Raja (Andheri)
This mandal doesn’t have a towering statue like the others; however, it is popularly reputed of fulfilling wishes of the devotees. It attracts a lot of spectators for their unique themes and carnival-like installations. This more than 50 years old pandal is famous for its celebrity guests. So, in case you wish to get a glimpse of your favourite stars, visit this place to meet and greet them.
The events are a grand affair in Mumbai, and the streets in and around are jam-packed at any time of the day; even nights are busy with people either lining up to be the first ones to see the idols once the gates open in the morning. If you’re in Mumbai around this time, irrespective of where you are heading to, you’ll run into the celebrations at almost every street of Mumbai.
If not out of religious reasons, visit Mumbai’s Lalbaugcha Raja at least once to see how the entire city comes together to participate in this grand public event of celebrating the stay of Lord Ganesha – rightly believed to be the destroyer of evil and restorer of goodwill.
Rituals of Ganesh Chaturthi Celebrations in Mumbai
Devotees welcome the Lord with the resonating sound of the drum beats (Source)
The beginning of the Ganesh Chaturthi festival is marked with bringing home a clay modelled idol of Lord Ganesha or to the elaborately decorated community pandals or tents. With soaring chants and traditional drum beats, the deity arrives at the place which would be his abode for the next 11 days.
Once the idols are installed in the pandals, a definitive ritual of pranasthapana is done to invoke life into the idols. This is done with some ritualistic chanting of mantras.
An offering of a variety of sweets, flowers, rice, etc. are made to the deity.
Modak – a sweet which is believed to be a favourite of the Lord, is a popular sweet that can be found everywhere during this festival.
The days to be followed are marked with regular morning and evening ceremonies and special events of singing religious songs, traditional dances and chanting prayers.
For the eleven days of the festival, the idols are offered with different kinds of sweets, flowers, coconut and fruits. Special group dance, prayers and music performances take place throughout these eleven days.
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