Ganesh Chaturthi 2016: Best Pandals in Mumbai

Ganesh Chaturthi is just round the corner and I can’t help but talk about the madness that is Mumbai during the festival. Colours all around, beating of the drums and Ganpati chants, chaotic queues outside pandals and my favourite modak - these are just a few things I love about the festival. Add to that, the creative and elaborate Ganesh Chaturthi pandals set up across the city. These pandals not only bring together people from different backgrounds but also add a unique charm to the Maximum City, a charm that is hard to find anywhere else.

This year, festivities will begin on September 5 and visarjan will take place on September 15. Here's a Ganesh photo I made as part of my preparations to welcome Bappa:

 

Every Ganpati pandal promises to be a unique experience and the liveliness that the city radiates during the festival charges you up. Here are my recommendations of the best Ganesh Chaturthi pandals in Mumbai:

Lalbaugcha Raja

You can call him Navsacha Ganpati or the fulfiller of wishes. I was overwhelmed with the loving devotion of the crowd and the chants of Ganpati Bappa Morya when I first visited the pandal. Founded in 1934, Lalbaug Ganpati is the most famous in Mumbai and attracts over 1.5 million visitors every day.

The pandal design is patent protected and it offers two types of darshan. You can stand in the Mukh darshanachi line (waiting: about 5 hours) for a view of the idol without getting onto the stage or go for the Navsachi line (waiting: 24 hours or more) which will take you directly to the idol’s feet to get his blessings. It is a strong belief that Ganpati will grant your wish if you go for the latter. What’s more, Lalbaugcha Raja is so popular that you might just spot a celebrity here! Keep your camera handy for not just a Ganesh photo but for clicking your favourite celebs too.

The organizers will make sure you have a wonderful experience of Lalbaugcha Raja during Ganesh Chaturthi 2016. Comfortable air-conditioned tents (with refreshments) will be put up right next to the pandal to provide a hassle-free experience, especially to those waiting in the Navsachi line. The cost of the pandal crosses 15 lakh every year and the collections round up to a crore per day at times.

Location: Lalbaug Market, GD Ambedkar Road, Lalbaug

Ganesh Chaturthi Andhericha Raja

Andhericha Raja is yet another remarkable celebration home for Ganpati for Ganesh Chaturthi 2016. Established in 1966, this mandal also has a reputation of fulfilling wishes and is often frequented by celebrities. What’s unique about this pandal is that it is based on larger-than-life themes every year and replicates a particular city’s major landmark. During Ganesh Chaturthi 2013, the pandal was a replica of Ranjangaon Mahaganapati Temple (on Pune-Ahmednagar Highway), in 2014 it was based on the magnificent Palace of Mysore or Amba Vilas Palace and in during Ganesh Chaturthi 2015, the pandal was themed around Shri Arasuri Ambaji Mata Devasthan (Gujarat), an important Shakti Peeth of India. This year, the pandal will be a replica of Kunkeshwar Mandir in Devgad, Maharashtra. 

Another unique feature is that the immersion of Andhericha Raja takes place on Sankashti Day. This falls after Ananta Chaturdashi when most idols across Mumbai are immersed in the sea.

Location: Veera Desai Road, Azad Nagar, Andheri (west)

GSB Seva Mandal Ganpati

The GSB Seva Mandal Ganpati is fondly known as Mumbai’s Gold Ganesha courtesy the huge amount of gold used to adorn the idol. The richest deity in Mumbai, it is embellished with over 60 kilograms of gold and 175 kilograms of silver. Most of the gold and silver is donated by visitors. If you want to take a Ganesh photo for friends and family back home, this pandal is the right place for you. Interestingly, the idol is always an eco-friendly one. It is made of the environment-friendly clay and I would definitely recommend you to go visit the Green Ganpati!

Traditional instrumental South Indian music is played every year at this pandal. The offbeat music stands out clearly and distinguishes this Ganpati pandal from the others. The Gowd Saraswat Brahmin community from Karnataka founded this mandal in 1954 as a result of which South Indian influences are seen.

Note that the Ganpati visarjan here takes places after five days of the festival so make sure you visit this pandal early during Ganesh Chaturthi 2016.

Location: G.S.B. Sports Club Ground, R.A. Kidwai Road, King's Circle, Matunga

Khetwadicha Ganraj

Khetwadicha Ganraj has been in existence since 1959. With the height of the idol increasing with each passing year, its claim to fame was the 40 feet high Ganpati in 2000, which was the highest ever in Indian history. I have always been amazed to see that every single street in this area comes alive with beautifully decorated pandals and Ganpati idols. So when you come to Khetwadi, there’ll be plenty for you to see. Feel dwarfed as you proceed to touch the feet of the tallest and main idol in the 12^th lane.

Sheesh Mahal (Palace of Mirrors), Swarg Mahal (Palace in Heaven), Raj Mahal (Palace of the King), and Deep Mahal (Palace of Lamps) are some themes that have been followed here in the past.

Location: 12th Lane Khetwadi, Girgaon

Ganesh Galli Mumbaicha Raja

Being among the oldest pandals in the city, Mumbaicha Raja is one of the most visited too. Started in 1928, the deity is set against different backdrops and is always over 20 feet high. Themes inspired from famous places in India and its neighbouring countries are picked up every year and the pandal is set up in the most lavish way possible.

As a ritual after the daily evening pooja, plays like the Ramayana and the Mahabharata are enacted here for people to see. This is done as an initiative to spread awareness about the rich culture and art forms of India. I missed seeing the plays last year and have resolved to watch at least one this time.

Location: Ganeshgalli, Lalbaug

My love affair with Mumbai started with Ganesh Chaturthi and it has indeed taken me back to the city over and over again. As I pack my bags and make plans for eating modak and singing Ganpati chants, here’s some more inspiration for you to join me in the celebrations this year…