Lord Ganesha, destroyer of evil, a friend to every living creature in the universe, holds a special place in the hearts of Mumbaikars. They worship, celebrate and dip the whole city in colours during Ganapati jayanti. The entire population of Mumbai culminate in the celebration of the birth of Lord Ganesha during this time.
While families bring bappa to their homes for a warm welcome, the streets are taken over by various Ganeshotsav committees to celebrate the grandeur of Lord Ganesha. Some of these are over 50 years old, while others are the most pompous. Here are 6 Ganesh pandals that you should check out if you plan to visit Mumbai at this time. But before that, book hotels online in the city to make your stay enjoyable during the festive days.
Lalbaugcha Raja Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal
Founded in 1934, The Lalbaugcha Raja Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal is one of the oldest Ganesotsav Pandal in the country. Formed by the koli fishermen committee, it was a vow of fulfilment done to Lord Ganesha, after their demands towards the landlord Rajabai Tayyabali for a plot of land to construct a market, was granted. Today, besides Ganesh pandal, they organise medical camps, offering dialysis facilities to the poor. Hundreds and thousands of devotees throng the place, to get a look at the glorious 18ft tall idol, made by Ratnakar Kambli.
GSB Seva Mandal
Gowd Saraswat Brahman (GSB) Seva Mandal have been organising Ganesh Utsav for more than half a century now, and are one of the exquisite committees within the entire region. Ornate with gold, silver and diamonds, their idol statue is the most distinct from all the others. Located near Wadala, they are also one of the very few pandals where 24hr Seva is offered to bappa. Furthermore, the committee annually donates funds to natural disaster relief efforts and anna dana ceremonies.
Ganesh Galli Mumbaicha Raja
The Lalbagh Public Festival Board located at Ganeshgalli, Lalbagh is the oldest Ganeshotsav committee, celebrated its 90th anniversary in 2018. Formed to unite the mill workers of the nearby Lalbagh mill, they are famous for unique exhibits each year, while staying eco-friendly. Every year, a mahaprasad and bhandara are organised at Ganeshgalli maidan on the evening of Sharad Purnima.
Andhericha Raja
The pride of Andheri West, Azad Nagar Sarvajanik Utsav Samiti is famously known for organising Ganesh Chaturthi and their “Andhericha Raja” Ganesh idol. Established by workers of GTC, Tata Special Steel and Excel Industries, the committee have been going strong with 55 years of ‘ganpati bappa morya’ chanting done by the members at the top of their lungs. The particular committee is also associated with a variety of charities.
Khetwadicha Ganraj
The 12th lane Khetwadi Social Ganeshotsav Mandal is known across Mumbai as ‘the largest Ganpati idol in India’. In The year 2000, The Committee unveiled the 40ft imposing idol of bappa and shocked the country. Founded in 1959, their “Khetiwadicha Ganraj” is known as the tallest sculptor of Ganesha statues. In the earlier days of their operations, only a single rupee was collected as donations for idol making. There are overall 13 lanes in Khetiwadi, but the 12th lane is the most popular and most visited during Chaturthi.
Chinchpoklicha Raja
The Chinchpokli Raja, also known as Chinchpoklicha chintamani, is the pandal organised by the Chinchpokli Sarvajanik Utsav Committee and is over a 100 years old establishment. Although surrounded by other mandals such as Lalbaugcha Raja and Mumbaicha Raja, this idol still stands out from the crowd, and the devotees’ support is simply, unwavering. Throughout the year, Utsav Mandal carries out social service activities like medical camps, charity work. While most of the committee members are quite aged, the young generation carries their spirit and celebrates Ganesh Chaturthi with great religious fervour.
For Mumbaikars, especially, bappa is more than just an idol. Lord Ganesha denotes their freedom, a means to celebrate the greatness of the world and the goodwill of the human mind, where giving and taking, is a part of life. The COVID-19 has stalled many of the celebrations, but the Mumbaikers know that after all is done, Lord Ganesha is watching over them, giving immense hope and strength, to overcome the fears. If you are planning to uncover the true essence of the city, visit during the famous Ganesh Utsav and experience the grandeur of the place to its ultimate.