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.'
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.
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.
Devotees had their first glimpse of Lalbaugcha Raja on Friday, September 11, 2026, at 7 pm
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.
Ganesh mandals in Mumbai have requested the Maharashtra government to clarify the implementation of a recent Bombay High Court order on noise pollution during immersion processions. The order mandates a Rs 1 lakh security deposit and legal action for violations, causing confusion among organisers as the festival concludes.
The Brihanmumbai Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Samanvay Samiti has appealed to Ganesh mandals in Mumbai to ensure that immersion processions on the final day of the festival are free from noise pollution and inconvenience, citing the Bombay High Court's strict stance on decibel limits.
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.
A look at some of the oldest, richest and famous Ganesh pandals in Mumbai.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Mumbai resonated with 'Ganpati Bappa Morya' chants and dhol-tasha beats as devotees immersed Ganesh idols on Anant Chaturdashi, the final day of the 12-day festival. Over 430 idols were immersed by noon, with no untoward incidents reported, as elaborate arrangements by police and BMC ensured smooth proceedings.
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 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.
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.
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.
Accompanied by Dr Anjali Tendukar and children Sara and Arjun, Sachin Tendulkar offered prayers at Lalbaugcha Raja.
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.
The first look of Mumbai's famous Lalbaugcha Raja was unveiled on Sunday evening, days ahead of the Ganesh Chaturthi festival.
Lalbaugcha Raja, also called Navasacha Ganpati or wish-fulfilling Ganesha, is the most visited Ganesh mandal in Mumbai.
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.
Of the Rs 474.4 crore insurance cover, the largest component -- Rs 375 crore -- has been allocated towards personal accident cover for volunteers.
The Goud Saraswat Brahmin Seva Mandal's Ganesh Mandal, located in Matunga, north central Mumbai, is widely considered to be the city's richest Ganesh Mandal.
As Mumbai immerses in prayer and celebration for the next 10 days, Satish Bodas/Rediff.com visits four of the oldest Ganesh pandals in the city, where Mumbaikars seek the Lord's blessings.
Satish Bodas captures glimpses from some of Mumbai's famous Ganesh Mandals.
Satish Bodas goes pandal hopping and discovers these historically significant ones.
Despite the delay, thousands of devotees, who came to bid farewell to Lalbaugcha Raja, continued to wait at the chowpatty.
You can e-mail your pictures to getahead@rediff.co.in (My Lord Ganesha Pix) with your name, location, details about your Lord Ganesha and what this festival means to you. We will publish the best entries right here on Rediff.com.
A fine of Rs 2,000 has been charged for each pothole, Mumbai's civic body said.
'All the good in our family began with His arrival. For 20 years we have brought Him home with love and reverence.' As Mumbai readies to celebrate its biggest festival, a look at Ganeshutsav through the eyes of a devotee.
Mumbai's historic tryst with the Lord of Wisdom began at the Keshavji Naik Chawl in 1893.
Most popular mandal in Mumbai, Lalbaugcha Raja, takes Rs 51 crore cover.
The GSB Ganeshotsav Samiti has postponed the celebration to 'Magh Shudh Chaturthi' in Feb next year.
The government said that processions should not be taken out before installing and immersing idols.
Rediff.com's Satish Bodas goes pandal hopping and offers glimpses of some interesting Ganeshas in Mumbai.
Kareena Kapoor seeks blessings from Lord Ganesha for her forthcoming film Heroine.
With Ganesh Chaturthi here, we take a look at what awaits the devotees at Mumbai's oldest Ganpati pandals.
