Ganeshotsav 2026 celebrations span Jaipur, Odisha, Goa, Mumbai, and Nashville in the USA, as devotees share heartfelt prayers, first-time experiences, and festive joy.
Glimpses of Mumbai's Ganeshotsav preparations, from a Warkari-inspired mandal decoration to eco-friendly festive displays in Lalbaug.
'Earlier, Ganeshotsav was social. Now it is all about social media.'
Families from Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Noida, Nagpur, and even Magdeburg in Germany share their Ganeshotsav 2026 celebrations with unique decorations, heartfelt prayers, and festive devotion.
Nikhil Rasal from Satara and Adarsh Mitra Mandal of Gharat Aali, Alibag, have used their Ganpati decorations to highlight the work and public service associated with Tukaram Mundhe, commissioner of food and drug administration turning the festival into a platform for social awareness.
Tiffany Trump, Donald Trump's younger daughter, attended the Ambani family's festive celebrations with her husband Michael Boulos.
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A look at some of the oldest, richest and famous Ganesh pandals in Mumbai.
Thank you, Dear Readers, for sharing your pictures of Lord Ganesha.
Thank you, Dear Readers, for sharing your pictures of Lord Ganesha.
Thank you, Dear Readers, for sharing your pictures of Lord Ganesha.
Thank you, Dear Readers, for sharing your pictures of Lord Ganesha.
In Pune, 31 prominent Ganapati mandals celebrated a "DJ-free" Dahi Handi, advocating for traditional instruments over high-decibel sound systems for upcoming festivals like Ganeshotsav. This initiative, led by Punit Balan, aims to preserve Maharashtra's cultural heritage and reduce noise pollution, gaining support from around 200 mandals and the Chief Minister.
Devotees had their first glimpse of Lalbaugcha Raja on Friday, September 11, 2026, at 7 pm
We started with notebooks and graduated to lavatories, self defence classes, laptops during the lockdown... And, every Ganeshotsav, the contributions increased, says Ananya Chincholikar.
Ahead of Ganeshotsav, which commences on September 14, Rediff's Divya Nair visits a workshop in Mumbai where young girls, most of them first-timers, are using their brushes to bring Lord Ganesha to life.
Thank you, Dear Readers, for sharing your pictures of Lord Ganesha.
Two separate incidents of Ganesh idols falling during processions were reported in Palghar and Thane districts. In Nalasopara, a Ganesh idol fell due to heavy rain and wind but remained intact with no injuries. In Bhayander, a youth was injured and an idol was damaged when it tipped over during its arrival procession.
It's two weeks to Ganesh Chaturthi 2026, and the God Of New Beginnings is already making his way home to many pandals in Mumbai.
For its 80th year, Mumbai's Parelcha Raja Narepark pays tribute to Maharashtra's Warkari tradition of worshipping Lord Vitthal with a towering 23 feet Ganesha idol, for which water was brought in from Pandharpur's Chandrabhaga river.
Denied permission for his hunger strike in Mumbai, Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange on Monday announced he would head to the Maharashtra capital alone on September 15 to stage a protest at Azad Maidan.
Two individuals died and five others, including two children, sustained injuries after a large Ganesh idol of 'Bhuleshwaracha Raja' collapsed during its arrival ceremony in south Mumbai. The incident occurred on Saturday night, prompting immediate rescue efforts and hospitalisation of the injured.
Maharashtra's Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has introduced a permanent, year-round food safety calendar to ensure public health during major festivals. This first-of-its-kind initiative categorises festivals into three levels and implements a four-stage inspection mechanism, focusing on preventing adulteration and unsafe food practices for high-demand products like sweets, dairy, and edible oils.
Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange has accused the Maharashtra government of conspiring to kill him and suppress his agitation, following Mumbai police's denial of permission for his indefinite hunger strike from September 19. Jarange stated he would proceed with the march to Mumbai despite the ban.
Mumbai is abuzz with Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations as Ganesha idols arrive in homes and pandals across the city. The 11-day festival, marked by devotional chants, elaborate pujas, and vibrant decorations, culminates in grand immersions on Anant Chaturdashi. The city is adorned with lights, and markets are bustling, while authorities have deployed extensive security measures to ensure safe festivities, despite recent idol collapse incidents.
A school owned by a BJP MLA in Thane advised students not to bring root vegetables in lunchboxes during the Jain Paryushan festival, sparking a controversy. The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) objected, while the MLA clarified it was a request, not a mandatory order, aimed at respecting religious sentiments and promoting healthy eating.
The foot-worship ceremony of the Ganesh Galli Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal, one of Mumbai's oldest, most revered, and iconic public Ganesh mandals, was held with traditional rituals and prayers.
Hosts Anil Kapoor and Rohit Sharma bring their own brand of charm and humour to two new game shows that promise to make your weekends more entertaining, observes Divya Nair.
Dahi Handi celebrations in Maharashtra turned tragic with two fatalities and over 130 'Govindas' injured. A seven-year-old boy died in Mumbai after a brick column collapsed, while a woman was crushed by an iron frame in Pune. Authorities are investigating the incidents, and political leaders have urged for safety during the festivities.
A third generation murtikar and probably one of the first in her family, Manaswi Bagwe, a self-taught sculptor, is quietly pushing the boundaries of idol-making.
Vidyanand Bapat, a Pune-based activist advocating for a ban on high-decibel DJ systems and loudspeakers during festivals, was publicly assaulted by a man named Santosh Chavan while speaking to media persons.
Divya Nair shares her Amuma's recipe of payasam made using broken wheat, a healthy twist to the traditional ada pradhaman.
The 10-day Ganesh festival has begun in Maharashtra, with devotees welcoming Lord Ganesha into their homes and public pandals. The state government has declared the celebrations a state festival for the first time.
The Maharashtra government has officially declared the Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav as the 'State Festival of Maharashtra', emphasizing its commitment to preserving and promoting the festival's cultural legacy. The government has also addressed issues related to POP idols and pledged financial support for celebrations.
Health experts caution that excessive indulgence in sweets during the festive season can lead to bloating, indigestion and acidity and can also trigger underlying symptoms of health issues for people who are overweight.
The Indian Navy has been recognized as the best marching contingent among the armed forces at the Republic Day Parade. Maharashtra won for states/UTs, and the Culture Ministry for ministries/departments.
A coordination body of Ganesh mandals in Mumbai has appealed to them to keep the Ganpati festival apolitical, specially in view of the upcoming city civic body polls, and promote Marathi language and culture during the celebrations.
Dip your toes in traditional styles as you go pandal hopping.
Suresh Kalmadi brought several top-class events to India including the 2003 Afro Asian Games, the 2008 Commonwealth Youth Games, the 2010 Commonwealth Games.
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