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Ganesh Chaturthi, also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi, is one of India's most widely celebrated festivals, especially in Maharashtra. It marks the birth of Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed god of wisdom and prosperity. Mumbai, the heart of Maharashtra, witnesses a grand spectacle during this time of the year as the entire city comes alive with vibrant decorations, music, dance, and beautifully adorned Ganesh Pandals. If you plan to visit Mumbai during Ganesh Chaturthi 2023, here's a list of the top 3 Ganesh Pandals you must not miss.
If you wish to fully experience the Ganesh Utsav festival and be a part of its excitement, you must visit Lalbaugcha Raja pandal. Many people dream of attending the pandal at least once in their lifetime. The pandal was first established in 1934 in Lalbaug Market, and due to its popularity, a Mukh Darshan ceremony takes place before Ganesh Chaturthi. On average, there are 5,000 people in the queue at any given time, with around 1.5 million people visiting daily and an average of 1.5 crore yearly. The pandal is located near Lalbagh Market and has an average height of 18-20 feet. On the eleventh day, the murti is immersed in the Arabian Sea near Girgaon Chowpatty. It is best to visit the pandal between 6 am and 9 am, when you will find the most consistent crowd.
To get to Lalbaugcha Raja, take a western local train and stop at Lower Parel station. From there, you can walk to the pandal located at Shree Ganesh Nagar on Dr. Babasaheb Road.
The pandal stands just a stone's throw away from Lalbaugcha and boasts a richer history, predating the establishment of Lalbaugcha Raja in 1928. The idol itself is valued at INR 60,000, while the expenses for the visarjan arrangements soar to approximately 17 lakhs. This pandal soared to fame when it crafted a colossal 40-ft-tall idol back in 2000. Renowned for its distinctive themes, it has become a sought-after attraction during Ganesh Chaturthi.
It takes just 8 minutes to walk from Lalbaghcha Raja to the Ganesh Galli pandal.
Bombay's oldest pandal, established in 1920, is set to mark its centenary in 2023. The renowned sculptor, the late Vijay Khatu, crafted the revered idol within. Initially starting with a modest 3-foot sculpture, the pandal now stands at an impressive average height of 23 feet. For devoted devotees, Chinchpolki Cha Chintamani holds significance beyond merely being a pandal; it is a sanctuary of profound gratitude.
It is located just a 10-minute walk away from Lalbaugcha Raja.
