Mumbai is awash with devotion as the annual Ganesh festival, a cherished tradition, commences, ushering in Lord Ganesh into countless homes and hearts. This ten-day extravaganza, which commenced on Tuesday, is characterized by the resplendent decoration of pandals (temporary shrines) and homes, enveloping the city in an ambiance of spiritual grandeur.
Mumbai Welcomes Lord Ganesh: A Festival of Devotion and Decorations
Mumbai, the vibrant heart of India, is currently immersed in a fervent celebration as the beloved annual Ganesh festival gets underway. This ten-day extravaganza, commencing on a joyous Tuesday, marks the auspicious arrival of Lord Ganesh into the homes and hearts of millions. A distinctive feature of this grand celebration is the meticulous adornment of pandals (elaborate temporary shrines) and residences, casting a divine aura over the city.
A Community Celebration:
The civic authorities of Mumbai have granted permissions to 2,729 ‘sarvajanik Ganeshotsav mandals’ (public Ganesh festival committees) to organize the festivities by erecting pandals, transforming the event into a vibrant community affair that unites people from diverse backgrounds.
Policing the Celebration:
Security remains a top priority during this festival, which attracts hundreds of thousands of devotees to various pandals over ten days. To ensure safety, over 13,750 police personnel have been deployed across the city. This includes 11,726 constables, 2,024 officers ranging from sub-inspectors to assistant commissioners, and 15 deputy commissioners. Traffic management measures, including restrictions on heavy vehicles on certain days, have also been enforced to facilitate smooth traffic flow.
Themes and Decorations:
The Ganesh festivities in Mumbai are renowned for their elaborate themes. This year, pandals across the city have showcased themes ranging from Chandrayaan-3’s launch to Ayodhya’s Ram Mandir, and even the 350th anniversary of the coronation of warrior-king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Shoppers have flocked to popular markets in Dadar, Crawford Market, and Lohar Chawl to purchase decor items, flowers, and puja materials for the festival.
A Visual Extravaganza:
The city’s Ganesh mandals have gone above and beyond with thematic decorations for their pandals. Pandal-hoppers will be treated to captivating displays inspired by Chandrayaan-3, Ayodhya’s Ram Temple, and the historic coronation of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
Lalbaugcha Raja and Beyond:
Devotees are expected to throng to Lalbaug in central Mumbai to witness the iconic Lalbaugcha Raja, followed by GSB Seva Mandal’s Ganpati in Matunga, known for its opulence. Other renowned Ganesh mandals include those in Chinchpokli, Ganesh Gully, Tejukaya, and the Khetwadi area of Girgaum, home to the city’s tallest Ganesha at 45 feet.
Preparations and Cleanliness:
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation has left no stone unturned in preparations, including filling potholes, pruning trees, and cleaning areas. Special teams for medical services, ‘nirmalya’ (devotional offerings), and lifeguards have been deployed. Additionally, a cleanliness drive was conducted as part of the Union government’s ‘Indian Cleanliness League 2.0,’ an intercity cleanliness competition.
