Ganpati Special: Best Places for Zoloites in Mumbai to Witness Ganesh Pandals

Ganesh Chaturthi or Vinayaka Chaturthi is one of the biggest festivals of Hindus celebrated in various parts of India. It marks the birth of Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed god. Lord Ganesha was the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Legend has it that Goddess Parvati created a son out of turmeric to guard her palace while she bathed. When Lord Shiva came looking for his wife Parvati, the young boy Ganesha stopped Shiva from entering which made Shiva furious and he beheaded the boy. This angered Parvati and to pacify her, Shiva sent Lord Brahma to look for any creature sleeping with its head facing north and behead it. Lord Brahma beheaded an elephant and brought its head back to Lord Shiva. As promised to Parvati, Shiva attached the head of the elephant to the body of the boy and gave him life. This boy was then known as Ganpati, the ruler of all beings.

Ganesha is known by 108 different names and is the Lord of arts and sciences and also the Lord of wisdom. The festival of celebrating the birth of Lord Ganesha goes on for 10 days starting with bringing his idol to homes on the first day till the Visarjan of his idol on the 10th day. This festival was first introduced by Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in his days, however, it was the freedom fighter Lokmanya Tilak who brought popularity to this festival by gathering people of all faiths to unite against the British rule.

Ganesh Chaturthi in Mumbai 2019 Updates

Though Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated in various parts of the country, nothing comes close to the grandeur and enthusiasm of celebrations in Mumbai. The whole city gets together to celebrate this festival with much pomp and fervor. Thousands of Ganesha idols are welcomed into homes and people spend the next 10 days of celebration by performing rituals, prayers, and offerings to the deity. The idols are taken out in a procession on the 11th day to be immersed in a water body. Most of the idols made nowadays are made from clay and are eco-friendly which makes it easier to dissolve.

Let’s take a look at the Must-Visit and Famous Ganpati Pandals in Mumbai 2019:

• Lalbaugcha Raja
• Ganesh Galli Mumbaicha Raja
• Andhericha Raja
• GSB Seva Ganesh Mandal
• Khetwadi Ganraj
• Chinchpokli cha Raja
• Keshavji Naik Chawl Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal
• Sahyadri Krida Mandal
• Fort Vibhag Sarvajanik Mandal
• Tulsiwadicha Maharaja
• Girgaon Cha Maharaja
• Dongri Cha Raja

1. Lalbaugcha Raja 2019

Undoubtedly the most visited Ganpati Pandal in Mumbai, Lalbaugcha Raja literally translates to the King of Lalbaug. More than 1.5 million devotees visit this pandal every day and sometimes stand in queue for more than 24 hours to get a glimpse of one of the largest Ganesha idols in the city. It is believed that worshipping Lalbaugcha Raja can fulfill all your wishes.

Where: Lalbaug Market, GD Goenka Road, Lalbaug

2. Ganesh Galli Mumbaicha Raja 2019

One of the oldest pandals in Mumbai, Ganesh Galli Mumbaicha Raja is very well known for its unique themes behind the decorations of the pandal. Formed in 1928 for the benefit of mill workers, this pandal pulls in huge crowds every year. The idols are now made of eco-friendly material rather than the popular Plaster of Paris to prevent pollution during Visarjan.

Where: Ganesh Galli, Lalbaug

3. Andhericha Raja 2019

The Andhericha Raja is to the Mumbai suburbs what the Lalbaughcha Raja is to south Mumbai. This pandal draws most of the celebrities from Bollywood. Although the idol isn’t towering and imposing like other famous pandals in Mumbai, but Andhericha Raja is famously known to fulfill it’s devotee’s wishes. The theme around the decorations is a crowd-puller at this pandal.

Where: Veera Desai Road, Azad Nagar, Andheri (West)

4. GSB Seva Ganesh Mandal – King’s Circle

Affectionately knows as Mumbai’s gold Ganesha, GSB Seva Ganesh Mandal is often stated to be the richest in the city. With 60 Kgs of Gold adorning the idol, the celebrations and decorations at this pandal are extravagant. It is also famous for the eco-friendly idol and the use of traditional Indian music instruments used instead of any recorded music.

Where: GSB Sports Club Ground, Near SNDT Women’s College, King’s Circle, Matunga

5. Khetwadi Ganraj

Khetwadi Ganraj is considered to be one of the most spectacular and creative idols in Mumbai. It has won many awards for the best pandal and idol. This pandal made it to the record books in 2000 when it made the highest Ganesha idol in Indian history with a towering 40 feet idol. The decoration of the idol is expansive and is decked with real diamonds and gold.

Where: 12th Lane Khetwadi, Girgaum

6. Chinchpokli cha Raja

Famously known as the Chinchpoklicha Chintamani, this pandal is one of the oldest in Mumbai. The main highlight of this pandal is the Aagman Sohala, which is the welcoming of Lord Ganesha. Thousands of devotees can be seen dancing and singing while welcoming Ganpati 10 days before the festival. This pandal is also actively involved in social services.

Where: Dattaram Lad Marg, Outside Chinchpokli station

7. Keshavji Naik Chawl Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal

This pandal boasts of being the oldest pandal in the city. In their 125th year now, it was founded by Lokmanya Tilak in 1893, thus having historical significance attached to it. This year the pandal will be displaying a replica of the Ganpatipule temple in Ratnagiri.

Where: Keshavji Naik Chawl, Girgaum

8. Sahyadri Krida Mandal

What was once as small sports club, Sahyadri Krida Mandal has grown in popularity over the years. Known for its unique and creative decorations and theme, this year they are creating a “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan, Jai Vigyan” theme.

Where: Tilak Nagar, Chembur

9. Fort Vibhag Sarvajanik Mandal

Fort Vibhag Sarvajanik Mandal is one of the most popular pandals in south Mumbai. Located in the fort area of the city, this pandal is famous for making replicas of different places in India. This year they are creating a replica of Bikaner Palace with special marble effects.

Where: Near CST

10. Tulsiwadicha Maharaja

Despite being one of the smallest pandals in the city, Tulsiwadicha Maharaja still stands out as one of the best idols. The idol definitely attracts your attention and brings over a calm on you.

Where: Tulsiwadi, Tardeo

11. Girgaon Cha Maharaja

Among the most popular pandals in the city, Girgaoncha Maharaja is famous for its eco-friendly Ganpati. Established in 1928, Girgaoncha Maharaja has an idol made of clay and stands at 22 feet. There is an impression of Lord Krishna on the idols trunk if you look closely.

Where: Mugbhat Cross Ln, Vaidya Wadi, Thakurdwar, Girgaon

12. Dongri Cha Raja

Dongri Cha Raja is among the oldest and most popular Ganesh idols in South Mumbai. This pandal has been involved in many social causes over the years giving it a special place in the hearts of Mumbaikars. last year the theme of the pandal was a tribute to the Indian Army and the donations received were donated to the Indian Armed Forces.

Where: Ganesh Chowk, Dr.Maisheri Marg, Dongri

Ganpati Visarjan

What are the popular places to witness Ganpati Visarjan in Mumbai 2019

• Girgaon Chowpatty, Marine Drive
• Juhu Beach, Juhu
• Powai Lake, Powai
• Bandstand Promenade, Bandra
• Versova Beach, Versova
• Gorai Jetty, Borivali

The Visarjan of the Ganesh idols is also a huge event with lakhs of people coming out on the streets to bid adieu to their favorite Bappa and wishing for him to come back soon again the next year. There are a few places in Mumbai which are a sight to witness the grand Visarjan ceremony. Many people immerse the statues at various timelines like some do it in 3 days, some in 5 days or 7 days, but most of the big statues of the city are immersed on the 11th day known as the Anant Chaturdashi.

The largest and most famous Ganesh idols come to Girgaon Chowpatty on Marine Drive for immersion. The roads are blocked as thousands of devotees gather all around to see their beloved Bappa for the last time before he comes back the next year. Juhu beach is another popular Visarjan spot in western Mumbai and so is Versova Beach. Powai Lake is another popular immersion spot for people living in Mumbai’s central suburbs. The Visarjan procession is long one and usually starts mid-morning and goes on throughout the night and the idols are usually immersed in the ocean early the next morning. There is an air of sadness among residents but with the hope of him coming back again next year, they say their bye’s to the lord and sing “Ganpati Bappa Moriya, Pudcha varshi loukar ya“.

Top favorite Sweets for Ganesh Chaturthi

Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations in Mumbai can be termed as the biggest and grandest festival in India. With every lane and almost every house bringing a Ganpati idol home, the whole city takes on a festive look. Along with this, the Ganpati festival also means loads of sweets and savories made especially around this time. These sweets are offered to God before being distributed among the devotees. Here are a few of the top Mumbai dishes to try during Ganesh Chaturthi.

• Modak – A sweet or savory dumpling prepared only during this festival.
• Srikhand – A sweet-sour yogurt made with cardamom, yogurt, saffron, and fruits.
• Sabudanavada – A fried snack made with boiled potato, peanuts, spices, and tapioca pearl.
• Katachi Amti – Tangy Dal made with chickpea and other masalas.
• Puran Poli – A sweet bread made with coconut and jaggery filling.
• Karanji – A fried pastry made with almonds, cashews, coconut, and others.
• Patholi – Steamed rice roll.
• Kala Vatana Amti – Curry made with dried peas.
• Kothimbirvada – A fried fritter made with spices and chickpea flour.
• Varan Bhaat – Lentil curry and steamed rice are served with potato and beans side dish.
• Chaliusal –A vegetable dish made with black-eyed beans.

How to make an eco-friendly Ganpati at home?

Pollution has been a big problem associated with the Ganesh Chaturthi festival with the idols being immersed in the water bodies polluting it. But nowadays, most of the pandals are going the eco-friendly way with idols being made with clay and other eco-friendly substances. You can also make your personal eco-friendly Ganpati at home. See the below video and learn how to make an eco-friendly Ganpati at home.

Best songs to play this Ganesh Chaturthi 2019

Ganesh Chaturthi means a big celebration in Mumbai. The whole city is decorated with flowers and other decoration materials. There is an endless list of sweets and snacks prepared by everyone. Also, all through the day and night, you can hear melodious songs and bhajans being played in every part of Mumbai. Although the list of songs is vast, here we list down the popular Ganpati songs without which the celebrations aren’t complete.

• Sukha Karta Dukh Harta by Lata Mangeshkar
• Deva Shri Ganesha from ‘Agneepath’
• Mourya Re from ‘Don’
• Suno Ganpati Bappa Morya (Judwaa 2)
• Bappa from Banjo
• Ganpati Aarti from ‘Sarkaar 3’
• Aala Re Aala Ganesha Aala from ‘Daddy’
• Bappa Morya from ABCD
• Ganpati Remix By Dj Dalal London Remix
• Ganpati Bappa Remix Song

1. Sukha Karta Dukh Harta by Lata Mangeshkar

2. Deva Shri Ganesha from ‘Agneepath’

3. Mourya Re from ‘Don’

4. Suno Ganpati Bappa Morya (Judwaa 2)

5. Bappa from Banjo

6. Ganpati Aarti from ‘Sarkaar 3’

7. Aala Re Aala Ganesha Aala from ‘Daddy’

8. Bappa Morya from ABCD

9. Ganpati Remix By Dj Dalal London Remix

10. Ganpati Bappa Remix Song

Conclusion:
Ganpati festival is the most awaited festival for Mumbaikars. Mumbai takes on a festive look in these 10 days. The whole city is decorated and there is an air of celebration all over the city. “Ganpati Bappa Morya” chants can be heard from every lane and every Mandal in the city. The festivities in Mumbai are taken up a notch higher than other parts of the country and thus making Mumbai the best place to experience Ganesh Chaturthi.