Planning to Celebrate Ganesha Chaturthi in Mumbai

Do you ever wonder what the Ganpati Bappa Moriya chant is? Or, heard that forever popular Mohammad Rafi crooning, Govinda aala re? If yes, you must be aware of Ganpati Chaturthi, worshipping Lord Ganesha, which is a known phenomenon in Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Karnataka but reaches the crescendo in Mumbai, the capital of Maharashtra. For ten days from Bhadrapada Shudha Chaturthi to the Ananta Chaturdashi, Mumbaikars are in the festive mood, and the grandeur of the celebration is simply unthinkable unless witnessed. There are many India tourism packages designed, aiming to cover Ganesha Chaturthi in Mumbai and it would be wise to choose one such.

Frankly, you don’t have much time left if you are planning to attend it this year. In 2017, the dates are 25^th August to 5^th September which leaves you exactly 2.5 months to travel, and you must make arrangements well before that. The hotels are clever and employ the rush hour tactics to ask for quadruple prices as well. You wouldn’t get flights or get those at highly inflated, variable fare pricing policy of the airlines to be blamed.

Places to Visit

• Lalbaugcha Raja is probably what everyone would tell you of and justifiably so. They don’t replace the idol itself, but the pandals they create would triumph the previous years. Millions, yes not lakhs but millions, of devotees’ flock in to receive the blessing of the elephant god. Media coverage is almost constant, and OB vans stay there 24*7 because nobody knows when the next celebrity is dropping in, unannounced. Offerings in gold, silver, and cash are commonplace and amount to tens of crores.
• Akhil Anjirwadi Sarvajanik Utsav Mandal is arranging Ganesha Chaturthi celebrations for 64 years now, and you have to reach this place in Khetwadi, inside a narrow lane. However, they come up with innovative pandal designs which are a must see if you are in Mumbai during this time. They often recreate famous temples from around India and with surroundings covered in tiny lights, this is a place not to miss.
• Lokmanya Tilak instituted Shree Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Sanstha at the Keshavji Naik Chawl in Girgaum in 1893, and they are carrying the legacy forward nicely by using the same 2.5 ft. Ganesha idol. If you are a history buff or fond of traditions, you need to visit this place.
• Andhericha Raja is another prominent spot for Ganesha devotees, and they rely on their skills of replicating famous sculptures and temples near the entrance and around the pandal to draw attention. Visited by several Bollywood celebrities, this spot is full of lakhs of devotees all of whom want to celebrate and seek blessings.
• During normal times, Fort Vibhaag Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal is a busy and crowded Mumbai area, but during the festive days, it transforms into a beautiful palace or temple (replicas, of course). Each year they come up with innovative ideas to draw crowd and devotees to their celebration.

 

Bollywood Presence

Mumbai is where the Bollywood is, and you won’t miss even one star during these days if you go pandal hopping. From Amitabh Bachchan to SRK, the stars, megastars and wannabe stars are all busy visiting the pandals and you will frequently come near them. No package of India tourism will get you this many stars in one go, not even a trip to the famous studios.

 

Entertainment

There is no dearth of entertainment during Ganesha Chaturthi, and you will find a dancing arrangements anywhere where 50 sq ft is free. With drums, dance sticks and groovy music, mixed with traditional Marathi folk music, masti is in the air.

Plan well and in advance if you want to be a part of this celebration. If you can find packages on Yatra or similar sites, don’t wait, buy one! Trust me; you wouldn’t want to miss the fun just because you have to take care of everything by yourself.