When the Divine Five Reign Supreme

With the onset of the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Maharashtra, Mumbai braces itself for showcasing some of the best expertise and art in the area of Ganesh idols.

Lalbaugcha Raja

Some of the best idols of the Lord to be seen begin with the Lalbaugcha Raja, in Chinchpokhli; Mumbai is the most popular of idols in Mumbai. Founded in 1934, this is the most visited and a must visit in the list of Ganesh mandals. With the belief that the Raja fulfils their desires millions of devotes stand all night long waiting to get a glimpse of the Lord. With around  1.5 million devotees this astonishing land of devotees transforms Lalbaug into a mini pilgrim spot during the Ganpati season. Even the media contributes to its popularity. There is a general line here and then a line for those who have taken a wish. The second line takes the people up to the idol and the other line would have people seeing the idol from a distance of around 10 m. There are air conditioning facilities for those in the second line. The nearest railway station is the Chinchpokhli besides Curry Road too. Around 20 hours is the minimum time the devotees stand here patiently waiting to see the Lord. The mandap is open all through the day and night and the evenings till midnight are the busiest. The immersion procession starts in the morning at 10 from the market at Lalbaug and it is an atmosphere of pomp and gaiety. With such an ambience and the eclectic atmosphere, the Lalbaug certainly is the king of Ganpati idols and is a must visit for all devotees. It is no wonder therefore that the Ganesh idol is immensely popular and is an enthralling experience for the people.

Ganesh Galli Mumbaicha Raja

The next is the Ganesh Galli Mumbaicha Raja which is situated a little away from the Lalbaug Ganpati. It sets up a new theme every year and replicates any Indian location. Basically formed so that the mill workers would benefit, this Ganesh idol is also a crowd puller. Earlier very famous it started fading because of the Lalbaug Ganesh idol. Yet people don’t fail to go here and it still is  a favourite amongst devotees. There are new themes every year and this is what attracts the crowds. The theme is usually a popular place in India and has the distinction of being the oldest in this locality. Located in Central Mumbai it is near the Chinchpokhli and curry Road Railway stations. The waiting time is not much and it could be as less as 20 minutes or around a few hours. It is better to avoid afternoons and late nights as it is busy at this time. This idol is taken out for immersion at 9.30 in the morning and is again taken out with great fanfare. It is a sure visit for a Ganesh idol worshipper and should be added in the Ganesh travel kitty. The idol itself is replete with a lot of decoration and the celebrative mood here is infectious. The whole area suddenly gets transformed into a land of enthusiasm and energy and the atmosphere is electric. With the music blaring from the pandal and the mood being usually that of celebration no one would feel tired or exhausted while they are here. The ambience just relaxes the devotee and he wouldn’t suddenly mind the wait he had to come here. The Ganesh Galli Ganpati is a sure visit for those who come to Lalbaug and one who misses it would miss a spectacle that remains etched in his memories for a long time to come.

The Khetwadi Ganraj

The Khetwadi Ganraj is another popular idols in Mumbai. Existing since 1959, it became famous in 2000 when it had the highest Ganesh statue measuring around 40 feet. Studded with gold and diamonds it is located in Girgaum in South Mumbai. The year it was decked with diamonds it grew immensely popular. There is another thing about visiting this mandap. The fact that you are in Khetwadi takes you to many small lanes having beautiful idols. So it becomes a Ganpati tour literally and the atmosphere here is unbelievable. Ganpati is the time when people forget their grudges and do everything in absolute unity. New clothes, new jewelry and new friends make this area of Khetwadi stay united like a family and the Ganesh idol exudes that amount of energy that is needed to experience this festival. Situated on the 12th lane in the area of Girgaum in Southern part of Mumbai, Charni Road is the nearest railway station. Also one can come here from Sandhurst Road. The day is the best time to see this idol as there is a lot of rush during the evenings and later at night. With this kind of distinction and achievement the Khetwadi Ganesh idol becomes a must watch not only for its composition but also for the way it is decked. The pomp and glory with which the idol is taken out for immersion amidst the narrow lanes and streets is sight to watch. The love with which the Ganesh idol is taken out makes the mainstream of this mandap. Go and watch it and experience something beyond description. This is where lie the unity and the integrity of a million  of devotees scrambling up to see their favourite Lord go and they bid goodbye with a sense of love, affection and devotion unlimited.

The Gsb Seva Mandal’s Ganpati

The Golden Ganpati as it is called, the GSB Seva Mandal’s Ganpati at King’s Circle, Mumbai is another crowd attraction. Amongst the richest mandaps , this five day festival has  social programs organized as also musical instruments played. There are more than 60 kilograms of gold that adorn this idol. The Gowd Saraswat Brahmin community organizes this festival and they belong to Karnataka. Existing since the year 1954, this Ganesh idol has a lot of crowd attraction. The idol is based on the present day theme of being eco friendly. The clay idol is unique, interesting and beautiful. Besides one does not find the usual record music being played here. Music here is generally live performances by budding artists and professionals too. South Indian instruments are very familiar and popular here and the atmosphere is replete with a lot of focus on art, culture and tradition. There is a walkway here so that we can see the idol without any crowd problem. The smell of the fragrant flowers, the united voices of all the devotees and the selfless service by the volunteers is what makes this mandap very attractive and the organized way in which they work gives the Lord here the respect that He requires and one must see it to believe it. Located at King’s Circle in Matunga in Central Mumbai, this is a must visit. Make sure you visit it within the five days as the festival is celebrated only for five days. It is open all day and you could visit it any time you please. Crowd is not much and the waiting period is not beyond control. The atmosphere and the ambience render you completely weak with emotion and the GSB Ganesh idol has come a long way since its inception years back. Started by a small community today it is visited by all communities and is popular in the Ganesh tour.

The Andhericha Raja

The next not to miss Ganpati is the Andhericha Raja at Azad Nagar Andheri. Existing since 1966, this Ganpati was started by the Tobacco organizations’ workers and also by the Excel Industries Ltd and Tata Special Steel. Again a theme based mandap it has a carnival effect. Located in the suburbs of Mumbai, this is popular even if it doesn’t have those imposing statues. The idol is believed to have the strength to fulfill desires. Again a mandap with a theme this place has had sculptures made out of sand also earlier. Located at Veera Desai Road it has the Andheri station as the nearest railway station. This has a very special thing about it and this is that it is immersed only on the Sankashti Day that is the day following the immersion day, Anant Chaturdashi. In fact, it is the only idol which is immersed on that day. Afternoon of the Sankashti day sees the idol being taken out for immersion and it is given a very passionate farewell. While in Andheri you are sure to be headed this way as all roads lead to this place only. The people here are very emotional about their Lord and you would feel the devotion even if you are just a little away from this place. AS they say, the Lord exudes that kind of energy. This idol also has a lot of crowd attraction and is a sure visit in the list of Ganesh idols to be visited. While in Mumbai don’t miss to visit this place and you are sure to go back with a lot of fond memories and tales. Though it was started for the mill workers today people of all professions come here and it is heartening to see the unity amongst the people here.

With all these in tow, make sure you make a beeline to visit all these five if not more this Ganpati season.