Grandest Ganpatis in Mumbai: Sweet, shiny and spectacular

Mumbai is immersed in festive fervour as its most favourite deity -- Lord Ganesha -- is back. The celebrations are as big as ever, undeterred by the slipping Rupee or the economic slowdown, and full of hope that the sukhakarta-dukhaharta will take care of it all.

Rediff.com takes a look at some of the grandest Ganpati statues in Mumbai.  

Khetwadi area in Girgaon, south Mumbai, which has a majority of Maharashtrian-speaking population, is the city’s main attraction during the 10-day festival. Gigantic Ganesha idols adorn almost each of the narrow gullis here.

This Ganesh murti is from Khetwai Gulli No 8. This is the 50th year for the mandal. The Ganpati is seated on a peacock throne and the height of the statue is 16 feet.

The Girgaocha Raja's puja has been organised by the Nikadvari Lane Sarvajanik for 84 years. The mandal usually opts for an eco-friendly idol.

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The GBS Seva Mandal at King's Circle is among the richest mandals in the city. The 12-feet tall idol has four arms carved out of gold.

The mandal has a whopping insurance cover of Rs 223 crore. 

The Ganpati idol at Ganesh galli is popularly known as Mumbaicha Raja (King of Mumbai) and is situated only a few lanes away from the city's most famous Lalbaughcha Raja in central Mumbai.

The mandal was formed in 1928 and since then, it has been known for its lavish themes.  

The Lalbaughcha Raja is Mumbai’s most famous idol. Over 12 lakh devotees queue up round-the-clock for a darshan during the festival.

This year the mandal will have a cover of Rs 71 crore.

The mandal's decorations will cost more than Rs 17 lakh while Rs 3 crore gold will be used to decorate the idol. 

This idol near Tejukaya Mansion in Lalbaugh is a huge crowd-puller. 

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This standing Ganesh idol at Nare Park in Parel is this year an avataar of Shiva. 

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The Tulsi building Sarvajanik Shri Ganesh Utsav Mandal in Girguam is known for its innovative themes. This year, the idol is covered with different forms of chikki (an Indian sweetmeat made from nuts.)

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The Ganesh idol at Chandanwadi, Girgaon is seen slaying the demon Mahishasura.

In Indian mythology, Mahishasura is believed to have been defeated by Goddess Durga.

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This Krishna avatar of Ganpati, gorging on home-churned butter, at Khetwadi's Galli 9 is a front-runner for several awards this year.

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The Ganpati idol with 21 elephant heads at Motibaugh in Girgaon is a treat for the eyes.

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This murti of Ganesha can be seen at Khetwadi Galli 7 in Girgaum.

The Khetwadi Galli 11's Ganpati is dubbed the Mumbaicha Maharaja. Seen standing on one leg, this is one of the biggest idols in the city.

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Tulsiwadicha Maharaja Sarvajanik Ganesh Utsav Mandal in Tardeo was established in the year 1939. This year, the mandal is celebrating its 75th anniversary with this glittery idol.

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Known as Khetwadi's Vighnaharta (trouble-shooter), this idol is seen riding a lion.

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The Ganesh idol at Khetwadi's Galli 6 is made out of metal.

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The Naag Raj avataar of Ganesh is seen at Khetwadi Galli 5. 

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The Ganesh idol at Takdeer Terrace Ganesh Mandal in Parel is made out of modaks.  

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This baby-faced Ganesh idol playing the saarangi is seen at the Surya Mahal Mitra Mandal in Thakurdwar in Girgaon.   

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This Shiva avatar of Ganesh is among the popular idols at Khambata Lane, Girgaum.