Ganpati Bappa Morya..

Its the best time of the year, not because its raining but its becuase the favorite deity is back in mumbai. Its Ganesh Chaturthi and all over mumbai you must have noticed some big pandals being set up. Today they will be filled with long queue of devotees eagerky waiting to cath a glimpse of Ganpati Bappa.

There are many famous Ganpati mandals all over mumbai. Some of which are listed below, I have also tried to gather some snaps of each mandal..

Keshavji Naik Ganpati at Girgaum is the oldest Sarvajanik Ganesh Mandal in Mumbai Located at Tilak Times Keshavji Naik Chawl, Girgaum, the history of the mandal dates back to the first Sarvajanik Ganesh festival in Maharashtra in 1893. The 2.5 feet idol here is noted for its simplicity. There is no much fanfare but mandal still keeps the tradition of Sarvajanik Ganesh festival call given by Lokmanya Tilak.

Huge Clay idol at 1st Khattar Gully in Thakurdwar – This mandal is a classic example of eco-friendly Ganesh celebrations in Mumbai. The 12-feet idol is made of Shadu matti or clay and is colored with watercolor. The pandal has been following this tradition for two decades.

Parliament House at Mahakali Mandal in Andheri: A replica of Indian Parliament (80x60 ft) is the theme used by Mahakali Mandal in Andheri. It is designed by Manoj Govekar. Lord Ganesha sits on the Speaker’s chair here and visitors can sit in the Viewers gallery and offer prayers to Ganesha.

Six-armed Shubhdrishti Ganesha in Tulsiwadi, Tardeo – The Ganesh idols of this mandal has won several best idols awards. Last year the Ganesh idol was based on the Shubhdrishti Ganesha in Bhubaneswar, Orissa. It is also one of the richest mandals in Mumbai and the idols are studded with ornaments.

Ganesha Stands on Hibiscus Flower: This unique 24-foot idol is made by Balagopal mandal in Chira Bazar. The main theme here is a local redevelopment issue.

Ram Avatar Idol in Khetwadi 11th Lane: This huge 27-foot-tall idol is a major attraction in this area which has numerous Ganesh idols. It is the children who are the majority of the visitors here due to theme - Lord Hanuman fighting Gabbar Singh of Sholay.

Dabbawallah Tiffin Theme at Mahalaxmi: Famous sculptor Manoj Govekar has designed this mandal and it is drawing huge crowds. The mandal is modeled on the Dabbawallah Tiffin.

Wish fulfilling Andhericha Raja at Azad Nagar mandal at Veera Desai Road – This is a unique mandal as the Ganesh idol here is sponsored by devotees. In fact most decorative in the mandal are contributed the devotees from around the world. The immersion or Visarjan ceremony of this mandal is extended beyond the usual date and is performed on Sankashti day. There is a widespread belief that one’s wishes are fulfilled by praying here.
Lalbaug Sarvajanik Utsav Mandal, Ganesh Galli – This popular mandal in heart of Mumbai has a history of more than 75 years and is noted for unique idols based on Hindu Puranas and Epics. Last year a standing giant Ganesh idol was seen stopping a demon lifting the Shivling.

But there are 2 more Ganpati mandals which stand apart from all the above listed ones. They are:

Lalbaugcha Raja in Parel is undoubtedly the most popular Ganesh mandal in Mumbai and attracts around 1.5 million devotees during the 10-day festival. It is believed that by praying to the Lalbaugcha Raja one’s wishes will be fulfilled. The main attraction here is a simple idol but with a golden crown, golden bracelets and other gold ornaments. visit its site for more details: http://www.lalbaugcharaja.com/

GSB Seva Mandal Wadala is the richest mandal in Mumbai and is noted for eco-friendly celebrations. The huge clay idol is richly adorned with 60 kilograms of gold and 175 kilograms of silver. The golden crown on the idol weighs around 22 kg. There are several different pujas that take place during the 10-day festival.

Some of the snaps are as attached in order are (from left to right) Ganesh Galli Ganpati, Andhericha Raja Ganpati, Khetwadi Ganpati, Tulsiwadi Ganpati, Keshavaji Ganpati, Lalbaugcha Raja and GSB seva mandal Ganpati