In celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi, a 10-day festival honouring Lord Ganesha, the god of knowledge, prosperity, and fresh starts, Mumbai, India’s bustling metropolis, comes to life like never before. Commencing on September 8, 2024, this festival is one of the most colourful and awaited events in the city, bringing millions of people together in a spirit of dedication, joy, and cultural expression. Here’s a breakdown of the festival as celebrated in the heart of Mumbai.
Day 1: Ganesh Chaturthi
Mumbai begins the celebrations by building exquisitely carved statues of Ganesha in residences, public spaces, and large pandals. The “pranapratishtha” ceremony is performed to call Ganesha’s spirit into the idol, and can be performed on shared pandals in every neighbourhood or on well-known pandals like Lalbaugcha Raja for that matter. As part of the traditional “Ganpati Puja,” modaks,a sweet dumpling that is thought to be Ganesha’s favorite are served, and the entire city is filled with joy.
Day 2-3: Bhajans and Cultural Programs
Music and devotion fill the air as Mumbaikars (Mumbai residents) chant bhajans (devotional songs) and organise cultural activities. Local communities and temples host dance and musical performances to highlight the city’s unique culture. It is a time when both young and old come together to celebrate Ganesha through art, music, and devotion, resulting in a sense of communal joy.
Day 4: Community Decorations
Mumbai’s neighbourhoods compete to make the most beautiful and artistically decked pandals. Public places are transformed into exhibitions of artistic craftsmanship, with beautiful floral arrangements, lights, and thematic themes. Some pandals address societal issues with imaginative displays, making the day a visual feast for both Mumbai residents and visitors.
Day 5: Street Processions
Mumbai’s famous processions take over the streets. Drum beats, traditional music, and dancing accompany the processions in which devotees carry Ganesha idols around the city. The streets of Mumbai are alive with excitement as processions pass through neighbourhoods, with fireworks lighting up the sky. It is an amazing experience to see Mumbaikars’ commitment on full show.
Day 6: Ganesh Chaturthi Special Puja
A special day of worship known as “Raja Ganpati,” with elaborate ceremonies and prayers held throughout the city. Mumbai’s largest pandals, such as those in Girgaon and Wadala, are packed with devotees praying for success, happiness, and health. Community feasts are also popular, with big groups gathering to seek Ganesha’s blessings and eat traditional foods.
Day 7: Immersion Preparations Begin
Mumbai residents start getting ready for the grand end, the Ganesh Visarjan (immersion ritual), in the final few days. Communities and families begin to adorn their idols and rehearse their parting songs and prayers. Excitement is in the air throughout the city as processions and itineraries are organised for the big day.
Day 8: Final Preparations for Processions
As the last preparations are made for the huge immersion processions, Mumbai’s streets take on an even greater vibrancy on the eighth day. The practicalities of moving Ganesha idols to nearby beaches or bodies of water are coordinated by communities. The air filled with the smell of incense, drums, and chanting signals the climax of the celebratory expectation.
Day 9: Ganesh Visarjan
The most famous festival in Mumbai is Ganesh Visarjan. Massive processions of thousands of devotees fill the streets as they bring idols to rivers, lakes, and the Arabian Sea for immersion. Mumbaikars chant “Ganpati Bappa Morya, Pudhchya Varshi Lavkar Ya” (O Lord Ganesha, come again next year) as part of an emotional parting ceremony. Massive crowds attend processions from massive pandals, such as Lalbaugcha Raja, with the city’s beaches, particularly Chowpatty, serving as the focal point of the immersion. It is a moment of immense emotion and unanimity to see idols being carried into the sea amid raucous applause, music, and fireworks.
Day 10: Post-Visarjan Rituals
Mumbaikars conduct little pujas following the immersion as a way of giving thanks for Ganesha’s blessings all during the festival. After that, the city focusses on cleanup activities, with volunteers attempting to revitalise Mumbai’s streets and beaches. It’s a time to think back on the happy ten days and get ready for the celebration the following year.
Ganesh Chaturthi provides visitors to Mumbai with a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in Indian culture. The event offers tourists an opportunity to witness the city’s spirit of unity and devotion in action, from the towering idols at the iconic pandals to the vibrant processions. To truly immerse yourself in Mumbai’s largest festival, make sure to visit notable pandals, take in a street procession, and feel the explosive energy of Ganesh Visarjan.