Faith and fervour in full vigour: Mumbai decks up in devotion as 11-day Ganesh festival begins

Mangalore Today News Network

Mumbai, Sep 14, 2026: Mumbai and several parts of Maharashtra erupted in festive spirit on Monday as devotees welcomed Lord Ganesha with chants of “Ganpati Bappa Morya” and the rhythmic beats of drums on the auspicious occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi.

The 11-day Ganeshotsav, one of Maharashtra’s biggest and most widely celebrated festivals, will be observed from September 14 to 25 this year.

Ganesha idols were installed in homes, commercial establishments, housing complexes and public pandals across Mumbai and other parts of the state. The installations were accompanied by traditional sthapana puja and pran pratishtha rituals, followed by devotional aartis.

Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed deity and son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, is revered as the god of wisdom, prosperity and good fortune. He is also known as Vighnaharta, the remover of obstacles, and Ganadhipati, the lord of the gana.

Ganeshotsav draws millions of devotees and visitors to Mumbai and the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), including people from across Maharashtra, other parts of India and abroad.

More than four lakh idols are expected to be installed across the MMR in homes, housing societies and public venues by various Ganesh mandals and associations. Across Maharashtra, the number is estimated to exceed 10 lakh, with cities such as Pune and Nashik also known for their grand celebrations.

In Mumbai, the public celebration of Ganeshotsav in its present form is traditionally traced to Keshavji Nayak Chawl in Girgaum.

Among the prominent Ganesh mandals attracting devotees are Lalbaugcha Raja and Ganesh Gully in Lalbaug, Tejukaya Mandal, GSB Seva Mandal at Matunga-King’s Circle, GSB Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Samiti at Wadala, Khetwadi’s famed Ganesh mandals, Sahyadri Mandal at Tilak Nagar-Chembur, Shri Bal Gopal Ganesh Utsav Mandal at Marine Lines, Fort Vibhag Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal, and Andhericha Raja of the Azad Nagar Sarvajanik Utsav Samiti.

With elaborate decorations, dazzling lights, music and devotional programmes, Mumbai has taken on a vibrant festive appearance as the city begins its annual Ganeshotsav celebrations.

Courtesy: Deccan Herald