September is here and so is the season of festivals. One of the biggest and most awaited festivals of India is Ganesh Chaturthi, also known as Ganeshotsav. The ten-day-long festival is commemorated with grandeur, enthusiasm and fervour across the state of Maharashtra and other parts of the nation. The festival is marked by the installation of Lord Ganesh idols on pandals and homes where devotees perform puja and vidhi, processions take place on roads, and people across the state enjoy the festive spirit with wholeheartedness. Ganesh Chaturthi 2024 will commence on September 7 and end on September 17. One of the biggest attractions during Ganesh Chaturthi in Maharashtra is the greatness of Ganesh pandals. The creativity displayed in Ganesh pandals have become a hallmark of the festival, which brings people together to celebrate the festival. We at LatestLY will provide you with the most popular Ganesh pandals across Maharashtra.
1. Lalbaugcha Raja Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal, Mumbai
If you want to find a synonym for Ganeshotsav in the city of Mumbai, it is none other than Lalbaugcha Raja. The most iconic Ganesh idol is located in the Lalbaug market in Central Mumbai. This pandal is arguably the most visited one by devotees, with footfalls of around 15 lakh every year through the ten days. Also known as ‘Navsacha Ganpati’ or ‘the one who fulfills all wishes,’ Lord Ganesh attracts devotees irrespective of any class or status in society. What sets this place apart is the grandeur of the Ganesh idol, which although remains same every year reflects a unique identity that is easily recognisable. Moreover, the celebration of Visarjan of Lord Ganesh is so intense that the streets overflow with celebrating devotees. The magnificence of Lalbaugcha Raja in Mumbai is something that must not be missed.
Lalbaugcha Raja
Lalbaugcha Raja (Photo Credits: Wikimedia Commons)
2. GSBS Seva Mandal, Mumbai
Located near Matunga at King Circle, GSBS Seva Mandal is one of the wealthiest Ganesh pandals in the nation. The Ganesh idol, famously known as ‘Gold Ganesh’ is made from over 60 kg of gold and is celebrated and worshipped as one of the eco-friendly Ganesh idols in the city. The mandal adheres to the traditional rituals and conduction of religious pujas. The pandal is always teeming with devotees, especially since the Ganesh idol is only kept for five days, making it a must-visit during the festival.
GSBS Seva Mandal
GSB Seva Mandal (Photo Credits: Wikimedia Commons)
3. Kasba Ganpati, Pune
Kasba Ganpati, who holds the title of ‘Manacha Pahila Ganpati,’ is the most esteemed Ganpati in the city of Pune. Though it is a temple, it builds sarvajanik pandal yearly. Established in 1893, the story of Grama-Devata of Pune dates back to the 1700s, when Rajmata Jijabai Bhosle discovered the idol in Kasba Peth. Taking this as a positive religious sign, she ordered the establishment of a new colony in the area. Till today, Kasba Ganpati leads the immersion procession, symbolising its revered status in the city.
Kasba Ganpati
Kasba Ganpati (Photo Credits: Wikimedia Commons)
4. Tambdi Jogeshwari, Pune
Started by the freedom fighter Lokmanya Tilak, Tambdi Jogeshwari, also known as ‘Manacha Dusra Ganpati,’ is the second most famous Ganpati in Pune. The idol is housed in the fifteenth-century temple dedicated to Goddess Durga. The pandal is famous for its decorations, which they change yearly. The unique reddish-coloured Ganpati idol is considered one of the oldest in the city. Since 1893, Tambdi Jogeshwari has hosted large-scale Ganeshotsav celebrations, with the silver dome where Lord Ganesha’s idol is placed each year.
Tambdi Jogeshwari
Tambdi Jogeshwari (Photo Credits: Wikimedia Commons)
5. Vidarbha Ka Raja at HB Town, Nagpur
One of the most celebrated Ganapati is Vidarbha Ka Raja, located in Nagpur. The idol measures 31 feet in height and is definitely a visual treat to the devotees who visit the pandal every year. Organised annually by the Vidarbha Mathadi Kamgaar Ganesh Utsav, this pandal is the centrepiece of the city’s Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations. Several cultural activities take place during the festival of Ganesh Chaturthi.
Vidarbha Ka Raja at HB Town
Vidarbha Ka Raja at HB Town (Photo Credits: YouTube Screengrab)
6. Dharampeth Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav, Nagpur
Nagpur has celebrated the Sarvajanik Ganesh festival with Dharampeth Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav for nearly 60 years. This pandal stands out as the city’s largest among several others. Although the pandals and idols may not be as grand as those in Pune and Mumbai, the innovative design of the Dharampeth Ganesha idol is something to look forward to every year.
Dharampeth Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav
Dharampeth Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav (Photo Credits: YouTube Screengrab)
7. Nashik Cha Raja, Nashik
Nashik, often regarded as the industrial city in Maharashtra, has a long-standing tradition of hosting Ganeshotsav pandals. The Nashik Cha Raja remains the most prominent Ganesh Chaturthi pandal in Nashik, among others. Located at Ghankar Lane, Ashok Stambh, the idol is worshipped for ten days, after which it is immersed in a waterbody.
Nashik Cha Raja
Nashik Cha Raja (Photo Credits: Twitter)
As the festival of Ganesh Chaturthi 2024 nears, it is time to keep a note of the most famous Ganesh Chaturthi pandals across Maharashtra so that you do not miss out on visiting them this time. Whether you’re visiting the pandal to seek blessings, admire the decorations or participate in cultural activities, it is the experience that all matters.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 31, 2024 08:00 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
