Ganpati Pandals : It’s festive time in the economic capital of India with colours all around, beating of the drums and Ganpati chants, chaotic queues outside pandals and everyone’s favourite modak – these are just a few things people love about the festival. Add to that, the creative and spectacular Ganesh Chaturthi pandals set up across the city which not only bring together people from different backgrounds but also adds a unique charm to Mumbai, a charm that is hard to find anywhere else. Every Ganpati pandal promises to be a unique experience and the liveliness that the city radiates during the festival charges you up.
Here is a list of top 10 Ganpati Pandals in Aamchi Mumbai that one can’t afford to miss:
10. Chandanwadi (Chira Bazar) Ganpati
The Chira Bazar (Chandanwadi) Ganesh Murti is a stunning looking Idol standing next to a tiger; and was awarded the best idol in Mumbai in 2012. Go and seek the blessings of Ganesha.
9. Dongri Cha Raja
“DongriCha Raja” Mandal was established in 1939. This is the only ganapati in the Muslim dominated area of Dongri – a place which has a history of breeding some of the famous Dons of India. The mandal is therefore guarded by a special cell of Policemen who are capable of handling riot like situation and other emergencies. The Dongricharaja Mandal is famous for its donation camps.
Location : Ganesh Chowk, Dr.Maisheri Marg, Dongri, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400009
Nearest Station : Sandhurst Road.
8. Tulsiwadi Cha Maharaja (Tardeo) Ganesh
The Mandal was established in Established in 1939. Found Ganpati idol seated on a horse unique? This idol is astride five white horses!!
7. Kamatipuracha Chintamani Ganesh
The tall Ganpati idol is seated on a horse and is considered one of the best idols in the city this year! Go and visit the Pandal and witness this unique but beautiful theme idol.
6. Chinchpokli Cha Chintamani Ganpati
This is one of the oldest and most popular in Lalbaug. This Ganesh Mandal was founded in 1920 and is among Mumbai’s oldest Ganpati Mandals; is known for one of the best Ganpati idols in the city. The idols are sculpted in a creative manner each consecutive year and this pandal is one of the biggest crowd puller.
Location : Chinchpokli, Mumbai.
Nearest Railway Station : Chinchpokli
5. Andhericha Raja
The Andhericha Raja is to the Mumbai suburbs what the Lalbaugcha Raja is to south Mumbai. The mandal was established in 1966 by the workers of the Tobacco company, Tata Special Steel and Excel Industries Ltd, who moved from Lalbaug to be closer to their factories. This mandal also has a reputation of fulfilling wishes and is often frequented by celebrities.
Compared to many other famous mandals in Mumbai, the idol isn’t as towering or imposing. However, it has a reputation for fulfilling wishes.
The mandal also usually has a novel theme and other attractions, which have in the past included sand sculpture and a mela (carnival).
Location : Veera Desai Road, Azad Nagar, Andheri West (western Mumbai suburbs).
Nearest Railway Station : Andheri.
4. “Mumbaicha Raja” Lalbaug Ganesh Galli
Mumbaicha Raja is just a couple of lanes away from Lalbaugcha Raja in Ganesh Galli (Lane). They are famous for the themes they pull out each year.
It lost its shine to the Lalbaugcha Raja in the late 1990s but still pulls in the crowds. The mandal is well known for its lavish new themes every year, often a replica of a famous place in India. It was formed for the benefit of the mill workers in 1928, making it the oldest one in the area.
Location : Ganesh Galli (Lane), Lalbaug (central Mumbai).
Nearest Railway Station : Chinchpokli, Curry Road, and Lower Parel railway stations are close by.
3. Khetwadicha Ganraj
The idol at this place is considered one of the most creative idols in the city.
The award winning Khetwadi Ganraj is considered to be one of the most spectacular Ganesh idols in Mumbai. The mandal was established in 1959 but found fame in 2000, when it made the highest Ganesh idol in Indian history, standing 40 feet tall. The idol is decked out in real gold jewelry. One year, it was even studded with real diamonds.
An added attraction when visiting the Khetwadi Ganraj is that there’s a Ganesh idol in almost every lane in the area.
Location : 12th Lane Kehetwadi, Girgaum (south Mumbai).
Nearest Railway Station: The nearest stations are Charni Road and Sandhurst Road.
2. GSB Seva Mandal Ganpati (King Circle)
The second Pandal on our list is the GSB Seva Mandal Ganpati. This Ganpati mandal is the richest in the world and the Ganpati here is known as the “gold Ganpati” because of the huge (60kg) quantity of gold used to adorn the idol along with 175 kg of silver. This makes it a must visit Ganpati Pandal.
The mandal, often stated to be the richest in the city, was founded by the Gowd Saraswat Brahmin community from Karnataka in 1954. They’ve prospered in Mumbai, and as a mark of respect to the city they conduct various social programs along with a grand celebration of the Ganesh Festival.
The idol is always an eco-friendly one, made out of clay. The mandal is also distinctive because there’s none of the usual recorded music there. Instead, traditional Indian musical instruments used in south Indian temples are played.
Location : G.S.B. Sports Club Ground, Near S.N.D.T. Women’s College, R.A. Kidwai Road, King’s Circle, Matunga (central Mumbai).
Nearest Railway Station : Kings Circle on the Harbour Line and Matunga on the Central Line.
1. Lalbaugcha Raja
Lalbaughcha Raja which is considered the most popular Pandal in Mumbai and is the most visited pandal. The Lalbaugcha Raja, King of Lalbaug, is undoubtedly the most famous Ganesh statue in Mumbai.
The mandal was founded in 1934, and has grown to be the most visited one in the city. The Kambli family, of Kambli Arts, has been making the idol since 1935. Its legendary design is now patent protected. By the way, what are you waiting for? Go and witness the vibrant atmosphere and watch the Ganpati idol at Lalbaugh.
Location : Lalbaug market, GD Ambedkar Road, Lalbaugh (Central Mumbai).
Nearest Railway Station : Walking distance from Lower Parel, Curry Road, and Chinchpolki stations.
So go out there, visit the beautifully decorated pandals and seek the blessings of Lord Ganesha!
Top 10 Famous Ganpati Pandals in Mumbai
Sign up here with your email