01/1110 reasons why Mumbai is the place to be during Ganesh Chaturthi!
Mumbai, which is known for its people, its spirit, its sea and food, is also famous for the ten-day Ganesh Chaturthi festivities, which are held across the city. With Ganesh pandals being set up in every nook an corner across the city, there is an added joie de vivre to the infallible spirit of the city. While one may not be able to visit all the pandals or partake in all festivities, here's why Ganesh Chaturthi is the best time to visit the city!
02/11The preparation
Preparation to welcome the city's most favourite God begins months in advance, as idol makers from throughout the country come to the city and start sculpting the idols. However, it is almost a week before the festival date that the preparations begin in full swing. Filled with unbridled energy and fuelled by passion, all the streets in the city are lit up and pandals are constructed to welcome Bappa home.
03/11The innovative idols
With more than 6000 idols being commissioned in Mumbai every year, there are various choices and customisations available. From the traditional pose to the 'Baahubali' Ganpati to Ganpati Bappa dressed as a common man, when it comes to idols there is no dearth of choices available.
04/11Getting him home
It is very rare to see any other guest receiving the warm welcome that Bappa does! The arrival of Ganpati not only marks the arrival of prosperity and happiness but is also the beginning of the festive season. With elaborate plans being made for bappa's arrival, he is brought home with much fanfare (read: dhol) and enthusiasm.
05/11Modak
Modaks are not only our favourite, they are Bappa's favourites too! A Ganesh Chaturthi special and available in wide variety, with modaks, you just can't have one!
06/11Nasik Dhol and Banjo
Be it welcoming Bappa home or bidding him goodbye, all of it is done in style to the beats of Nasik dhol tasha and banjo! The quintessential Ganpati essentials, the beats of Nasik dhol and banjo are often heard across the city during the 10 days of Bappa's stay. In fact, these bands start practising three months in advance and are usually booked up during the 10 days of festivities.
07/11The Joie De Vivre
Be it the dhol tasha or the modaks, the excitement of having Bappa in our homes adds on to the happiness! With various celebrations and festivities planned and the city decked up in fairy lights, Ganesh Chaturthi definitely adds to the magical touch to Mumbai.
08/11The Ganpati special delicacies
Apart from Modak, which is Bappa's favourite food, there are other dishes that are specially prepared to appease the beloved guest. Most common food preparations for Bappa's naivedya are puranpoli, ukadiche modak, shrikhand, kheer and vada to name a few.
09/11 Lalbaugcha Raja
Lalbaugcha Raja is the most popular and revered Ganpati pandals in Mumbai. People throng in hordes and queue up for hours to catch a glimpse of the deity. Legend has it that people who wait patiently for their turn to pay their respects to the Ganesha idol get their wishes answered and their sorrows and obstacles are taken away.
10/11World's richest Ganpati - GSB Seva Mandal
GSB Seva Mandal’s Ganpati is not just the richest Ganesh in the world. Introduced by the Goud Saraswat Brahmin (GSB) community, this Ganesh idol in 1955. and today is one of the most famous Ganpati idols in Mumbai. With arms, legs and ears made of gold, this mandal is insured for a whopping Rs 264.25 crore this year.