Ganeshotsav 2018: 7 Popular Ganpati Pandals in Mumbai to Visit This Festive Season

The streets of Mumbai will reverberate to the chants of 'Ganpati Bappa Morya' starting September 13, 2018. Ganesh Chaturthi is here and the city that never sleeps has already started preparing for its favourite festival. And this year, as always, the homecoming of Ganpati will be an occasion of great celebrations in the city. Pandals in Mumbai are quite popular for the thousands and lakhs of people they attract during the 10-day long Ganeshotsav. From decoration, intricate designs to special effects, the entire setup of most pandals is an artwork in itself. The preparations begin months in advance to host Ganpati.

And as the festival that is celebrated in honour of Hindu God, Lord Ganesha approaches we have compiled a list of most popular Mumbai pandals. Popular Ganpati pandals take up a different theme every year and feature beautiful artwork. Some also try and spread social awareness around nature conservation, global warming, pollution and other similar issues. Bollywood celebrities, politicians, leaders are a common sight at these pandals in the city. Ganesh Chaturthi 2018 Date: Significance, History, Importance, Rituals & Why is the Festival of Ganpati Celebrated for 10 Days

Here is a list of popular Ganpati pandals in Mumbai:

1. Lalbaugcharaja Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal, Lalbaug

Lalbaugcharaja is the most popular Ganpati pandal in Mumbai. People wait in long queues for long hours to catch a glimpse of the Hindu God who fulfils the wishes of his devotees. It draws more than 1.5 million people every year and continues to increase with each passing year. Lalbaugcharaja began in 1932 when vendors ad fisherpeople of Peru Chawl vowed that they could set up a Ganpati pandal is their shops are returned. The landlord then gave them a permanent marketplace, where the present day celebrations are held.

2. Lalbaug Sarvajanik Utsav Mandal, Ganesh Galli, Lalbaug

A couple of lanes away from the Lalbaugcha Raja sits Ganesh Galli Mumbaicha Raja. This Ganesh Mandal is one of the oldest and popular ones in Mumbai. It started way before Lalbaugcharaja in 1928. Their extravagant themes are quite famous.

3. Goud Saraswat Brahmin Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Samiti, Matunga

The GSB Seva Ganesh mandal is known for the gold the idol is adorned with. It is said to be the richest one in the city. It was founded in 1954 by the Gowd Saraswat Brahmin community from Karnataka. Another speciality of the idol is that the committee ensure it is eco-friendly, hence made of clay. Only tradition Indian music is played there and around 75,000 poojas are offered to the Ganesha idol in just five days. Ganeshotsav 2018 in Pune: Know About 5 Manache Ganpati Pandals You Must Pay a Visit To

4. Azad Nagar Sarvajanik Utsav Samiti, Andheri

Andhericharaja is another pandal which is visited by many Bollywood celebrities. The idol is made the same every year and wears a 3.1 kg crown. On its 50th anniversary, the idol was made using gold donations received from 3,000 Mumbaikars.

5. Chinchpokli Sarvajanik Utsav Mandal, Chinchpokli 

Founded in 1920, this pandal is organised by Chinchpokli Sarvajanik Utsav Mandal. Chinchpokli Cha Chintamani is famous for the sinhasan with various poses. It is also known for prabhavalis or metal/wooden carvings placed like headgears. It is known for Aagman Sohala in which it organising committee arrange grand music and procession homecoming of the idol. Chinchpokali Cha Chintamani Will Arrive on September 8, Logo Launched to Mark Centenary Celebrations Ahead of Ganesh Chaturthi

6. Keshavji Naik Chawl Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal, Girgaum

While Ganesh mandals try to make their mandals the best, this one at Girgaum keeps it calm and simple. They don't blare loudspeakers or have elaborate decorations. Started in 1893, the Shree Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Sanstha brings a two and a half feet idol every year. They have played host to freedom fighter Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak, who began Ganeshotsav celebrations in Maharashtra, in the year 1901.

7. Fort Vibhag Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal Circle, Fort

Fortcha Icchapurti is another pandal know for its grandeur which generally creates replicas of various palaces. The pandal had one made a 40-feet elephant gate, showcasing the Bikaner Palace. It is said that Fortcha Icchapurti fulfils the wishes of those who worship him.

Lord Ganesha has 108 names of which some include Ganpati, Vinayak, Mahesh and Vighnaharta. Lord Ganesha was the second son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Paravati. It is said that Lord Ganesha is a lover of food and hence, modak a sweet dish is offered to the idol.

Ganesh Chaturthi began as a public celebration in the 19th century after a public appeal by Indian freedom fighter Lokmanya Tilak. As the British government was against Indian gatherings, Tilak wanted people to rebel against it. Today, Ganpati festival is celebrated with great pomp and fervour in Maharashtra. Devotees sing and dance and throw colours at each other during the festivities.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 07, 2018 11:46 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).