Ganesh Chaturthi 2018: 10 Most Popular Ganesh Pandals In Mumbai
Ganesh Chaturthi is one of the most popular festivals in India and is celebrated with a lot of fun and frolic across 10 days, the preparations for which go on since months. The festive mood gets everyone out of their homes to welcome Ganpati home, and then in the same manner, but with a sense of sorrow, they bid adieu to their beloved god. Every region of the country celebrates the festival in its own manner and this is definitely the time to explore the nation.
Ganpati Bappa Morya!
Mumbai, like all other cities, decks up as the festival draws near, but the celebrations in Mumbai are completely different and among the very best in the country. The tradition that started off in 1893 has continued till date and has only become bigger and better. With hundreds of thousands of devotees flocking to welcome Ganpati home and seek his blessings, you are assured a once in a lifetime experience while visiting Mumbai during this time. Here, we present the top Ganesh Pandals across Mumbai.
1. Lalbaugcha Raja
The MOST famous Sarvajanik Ganpati of Mumbai is the Lalbaugcha Raj which literally means the King of Lal Baug. Worshiping the idol of Lord Ganesha here is believed to fulfill all wishes. No wonder it draws more than 1.5 million worshipers across the 10-day period of Ganesh Chaturthi! Into its 83rd year now, this is also one of the oldest Ganpati Pandals in the town and a visit here is definitely a MUST for anyone who wants to experience the complete madness that the festival brings. It is common to find worshipers all-round the clock waiting to seek blessings of the almighty here.
Nearby Attractions: Jijamata Udyan
Food Places: Sai Krupa Veg. Fast Food Restaurant, Mumbai Ladu Samrat, Papa’s Belly
How To Get There: Take a local train to Lower Parel (Western Line) and take a cab or walk till Lalbaug cha Raja
2. GSB Seva Mandal – Kings Circle
Touted to be the richest mandal in the city, every year the idol of Lord Ganesha here is adorned with the most exquisite gold and silver ornaments. Thousands of devotees flock to seek blessings here, and this is where you get to see Ganpati’s visual spectacle like nowhere else. It is also the only pandal where the rituals are performed round the clock for the entire duration of the festival.
Nearby Attractions: Sion Fort, Mahim Nature Park
Food Places: Sion Lunch Home
How To Get There: For those who are on the Western Line, going to Dadar station is the best option. For those on the Central line, Matunga Road station is better.
3. Ganesh Galli
One of the most well-known Ganesh Mandals of Mumbai, the Ganesh Galli Mumbaicha Raja is also one of the oldest Ganpati Mandals in Lalbaug; each year the deity is adorned with various ornaments of gold and the pandal is designed to replicate different locations and themes, which draws thousands of devotees here as well.
Nearby Attractions: High Street Phoenix, Jijamata Udyan
Food Places: Ruchi Veg. Restaurant, Papa’s Belly
How To Get There: For Western Line, Elphinstone Road station is the best option. For Central line, Parel station is the easiest.
4. Khetwadicha Ganraj
The idol of Lord Ganesha here is believed to be one of the most creative idols of the city and each year, there’s a new design. The mandal is also famous for its social welfare and active participation in religion and sports. Being more than 50 years old, this is definitely one Ganpati pandal you should visit during your trip to Mumbai.
Nearby Attractions: Girgaon Chowpatty
Food Places: Gokuldham Pure Veg, Cosmopolitan Restaurant
How To Get There: Grant Road station is the nearest
5. Sahyadri Krida Mandal
Once a small-time sports club, they started off Sarvajanik Ganesh in 1977 and since then the popularity of this pandal has only and only increased. You will marvel at the creative decorations of the pandal, which are designed by various expert art directors. Water facilities and prasad are available to all the devotees and their giant decoration sets have replicated the likes of Shaniwar Wada, Mysore Palace, and Red Fort.
Nearby Attractions: Union Park
Food Places: Soi Kitchen, Delicious Hotel
How To Get There: For those on Central line, Vidyavihar is the nearest station. Then, from there you will have to take a Harbour Line train or cab till Tilaknagar in Chembur.
6. Andhericha Raja
The King of Andheri is definitely treated like a king during the 10 days of Ganesh Chaturthi and ever since 1966, the mandal has a reputation of fulfilling wishes. You may end up spotting many celebrities here waiting in line alongside you to seek the blessings of the Almighty. The decorations and atmosphere are sure to leave you spellbound.
Nearby Attractions: Versova Beach
Food Places: Swadesh, Shri Ganeshji
How To Get There: Take a metro train from Andheri (Western Line) or Ghatkopar (Central Line) and get down at Azad Nagar Metro Station. You can walk from there.
7. Chinchpoklicha Raja
Since 1920, this mandal has actively worked to bring home Ganpati for the society. Called the Chintamani Ganpati, you’ll find thousands of devotees dancing their way when bringing Ganpati home and even during the visarjan. The entire atmosphere is sure to mesmerize you and the stupendously carved idol of Ganpati will please all your senses.
Nearby Attractions: Mahalakshmi Race Course
Food Places: Utsav Restaurant, Shobhaa Only Veg
How To Get There: Take a train to Chinchpokali Station and you can walk from there
8. Fort Vibhag Sarvajanik Mandal
Located in the Fort area of the city, the mandal here has kept its tradition of creating the exact replica of Ganpati from Pandharpur, which is a very religious spot for Maharashtrians. You’ll really feel like you’ve been transported there. Being one of the most popular Ganesh Mandals in South Mumbai, this is one place you must visit on your trip across the city.
Nearby Attractions: G.P.O Fort, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus
Food Places: The Light of Asia Restaurant, Britannia
How To Get There: Take a train to Churchgate (Western Line) or Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (Central Line). From there, you can take a cab or walk
9. Tulsiwadicha Maharaja
Located on the Tardeo Road, this is one of the few Ganpati idols that stands out and has its own significance. The striking structure is what will garner your attention and the perfect idol will definitely bring peace to your mind. Despite being one of the smallest mandals in the city, this pandal still stands out as one of the best.
Nearby Attractions: Girgaon Chowpatty
Food Places: Café Noorani, Sardar
How To Get There: For Harbour Line, Dockyard Station is the nearest. For Central Line, Sandhurst Road station and for Western Line, Grant Road is the most convenient.
10. Girgaoncha Maharaja
Girgaoncha Maharaja sits near the Girgaon Chowpatty beach and is among the most popular pandals in the city. Following up from their eco-friendly Ganpati in 2016, you can be sure that they are doing their bit at making the festival an environment-friendly one while maintaining the tradition of celebrating it with full spirits.
Nearby Attractions: Girgaon Chowpatty
Food Places: Satkar Hotel, Red Chilly
How To Get There: For Western Line, Charni Road is the nearest. For Central Line, Sandhurst Road is the most convenient option
We’re sure that after going through this list, you’re already planning your trip to Mumbai for the upcoming Ganesh Chaturthi. If you have visited any of the above pandals, do let us know in the comments below, or simply repeat with us….Ganpati Bappa Morya!
Image Credits: Condé Nast Traveller India, Arun Shanbhag, India.com, Flickr, 24Shining Stars, Loksatta Live, Mompreneur Circle, Mumbai Cha Ganpati, Fred Travels
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