GANESH CHATURTHI 2023: With Ganesh Chaturthi quickly approaching, Mumbai is buzzing with preparations for the grand celebration. This festival – to be celebrated from September 19 to September 28 this year – marks the homecoming of the elephant god and is one of the most eagerly anticipated religious festivals in Maharashtra. It is celebrated with great fervour in the capital city and throughout the state. If you’re considering going pandal hopping, we’ve compiled a list of the top five largest pandals to visit during this year’s Ganesh Chaturthi.
Lalbaugcha Raja
Lalbaugcha Raja is the most popular pandal in the country. It is one of the most visited pandals in the city. The pandal witnesses visits from industrialists like Mukesh Ambani and his family, other VIPs, and even Bollywood celebrities like Amitabh Bachchan and his family. During the Ganesh Chaturthi, long queues are observed outside the pandals which can reportedly make devotees wait up to 24 hours or more. It is located in Putlabai Chawl, next to Lalbaug Police Station in Lalbaug market (central Mumbai).
How to reach?
The nearest stations are Parel, Dadar, Byculla, Currey Road, and Chinchpokli stations. If you are travelling on the Western Railway route, Lower Parel station will be the nearest one for you.
Ganesh Galli Mumbaicha Raja
Mumbaicha Raja in Ganesh Galli (lane) was founded in 1928. It is one of the oldest and most famous pandals. Last year, the pandal completed 95 years. Located only a couple of lanes away from the Lalbaugcha Raja, it is well known for its unique themes. It is located in Ganesh Galli (Lane), Lalbaug market in central Mumbai.
How to reach?
Chinchpokli, Currey Road, Dadar, and Parle are the nearest railway stations. Lower Parel station is your best option if you are on the Western Railway route. The pandal is also accessible via buses, taxis, and private vehicles.
(Video source: raja_mumbaicha/Instagram)
Khetwadicha Ganraj
Khetwadicha Ganraj Raja is located in some of the busiest lanes of Khetwadi. This pandal is known for its tallest Ganesh Idol and for its novel themes annually. Besides the grand celebrations, various social programs and themes are conducted in the stall. It is located at 12th Lane Khetwadi, Girgaum, South Mumbai.
How to reach?
Charni Road and Marine Lines are the nearest stations. The station Sandhurst Road is the nearest one while travelling on the Central Railway route.
GSB Seva King’s Circle
The GSB Seva Ganesh mandal is considered the richest pandal in Mumbai. It was founded by the Goud Saraswat Brahmin community from Karnataka in 1954. The city’s ‘gold Ganesh’ is adorned with more than 60 kilograms of pure gold. However, there’s one catch here. Unlike most other pandals, the Ganesh idol in this one only stays for the first five days of the festival, so you must plan accordingly.
It is located in G.S.B. Sports Club Ground, Near S.N.D.T. Women’s College, R.A. Kidwai Road, King’s Circle, Matunga (central Mumbai).
How to reach?
On the Central Line, Kings Circle on the Harbour Line, and Matunga are the closest railway stations. While on the Western Line, Dadar and Matunga are the closest railway stations.
Chinchpoklicha Chintamani
Established in 1920, the Chinchpoklicha Chintamani pandal is one of Mumbai’s oldest pandals. Every year, thousands of devotees gather here to worship Lord Ganesha. It is situated on Dattaram Lad Marg in Chinchpokli.
How to reach?
Dadar, Parel, Chinchpokli and Currey Road stations are the nearest ones to this pandal. If you are on the Western Railway route, then Lower Parel station is the nearest station.
(Video source: chinchpoklichachintamani/Instagram)
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