As the festive spirit eventually takes over the city and the chants of 'Ganpati Bappa Morya' fill the air, it becomes evident that Mumbai is welcoming its favourite deity all over again. It's that time of the year when the city that never sleeps actually experiences traffic, fairs and gatherings even in the middle of the night.
When Lokmanya Tilak revived the festival of Ganesh Chaturthi before independence, it was with the intention to gather people at a place. As the celebration takes place today in most parts of the country, it seems like the magnified version of Tilak's dream, especially with the grandeur that it is conducted.
In that case, some of the Ganpati pandals and the idols of Mumbai often strike a chord with devotees.
Here's the first look of some of these famous pandals and idols:
Lalbaughcha Raja
Lalbaughcha Raja's believers are not limited to Hinduism, this idol which is one of the most revered in the city goes passes through Hindu as well Muslim localities where the devotees seek his blessings before it is taken for immersion. Devotees who queue up in Navsachi Line to get their wishes fulfilled at times end up waiting for days.
G.S.B Seva Mandal
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This Ganpati pandal situated in King Circle is believed to be richest mandal in the city. This year, the mandal has purchased insurance cover worth Rs 300 crore for the idol adorned with 68kg of gold and 315kg of silver.
KhetwadiCha Ganraj
KhetwadiCha Ganraj in 12th lane is the most famous of the Ganpatis in Khetwadi. It is adorned with gold as well as diamonds.
Mumbaicha Raja, Ganesh Ghali
Mumbaicha Raja in Ganesh Galli is just a few lanes away from Lalbaughcha Raja and is famous for replicas of various places. This year, the theme for decoration is Badrinath Temple, one of the four Char Dham temples in Uttarakhand.
Chandanwadi cha Raja
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This Mandal completes 50 years this year.
