GANPATI BAPPA MORYA!
MANGAL MURTI MORYA!
Ganesh Chaturthi is a vibrant and widely celebrated festival in India, primarily in the state of Maharashtra, however not the only.
The festival begins with the installation of clay idols of Bappa in homes and public places. These idols are quite a beauty in itself as they are crafted in unique ways, such as using rice grains, papier mache, clay, PoP and decorated in the most creative manner. A traditional ritualistic Puja is carried out to invoke the presence of Bappa, and several offerings such as sweets, fruits, vegetables are made to Bappa at his altar. Pandals at this time reverberate with chants of Ganpati Bappa Morya! Accompanied with Dhol beats and devotional music, colours and a LARGE enthusiastic CROWD.
The most iconic part of the 10-day festivity is Visarjan, the day we bid farewell to Bappa. Ganeshji is taken through the streets with much pomp and celebration, accompanied by music and dance. Devotees bid farewell to the deity as they immerse the idol in a river, lake, or the sea. This symbolizes Lord Ganesh’s return to his heavenly abode.
Ganeshotsav is more than just a religious celebration of Bappa’s hospitality and farewell, but it’s also systolic of the bond within a community, of celebrations and of enjoyment.
Let’s dive into a few iconic Ganeshotsav celebrations that take place across India, that one must visit!
MUMBAI
The colourful and vibrant celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi is arguably the best celebrated in Mumbai, with names such as Lalbaugcha Raja at the tip of every individual’s tongue as soon as September begins. In Mumbai, there are 3-4 names that are popular among Indians:
- Lalbaugcha Raja
- Siddhivinayak Mandir
- Ganesh Gali Mumbaicha Raja
- Andhericha Raja
Firstly, a large number of devotees flock to Siddhivinayak temple,located in Prabhadevi, where elaborate rituals and celebrations are held. However, across the city, Ganeshotsav is celebrated with great pomp as families install Ganpati idols at their residences, inviting in Bappa’s blessings and according their hospitality to him. Furthermore, Ganeshotsav is also characterized by a wide variety of events and programs that are held, especially in Mumbai where Yatras and aartis are quite prominent.
Lalbaughcha Raja, one of the most revered idols across Maharashtra, attracts a large and diverse crowd of people every year during the celebrations. People from across India arrive here for darshan and to attend and participate in events that include bhajan-kirtan, dance, singing and more. The celebration at Lalbaughcha Raja is characterized by loud music and a lovely environment.
An umpteen number of Pandals can be found across Mumbai, with Bappa adorned with colorful decorations, flowers and a platter of fruits and vegetables placed at his altar, along with his favorite: Modaks.
When you enter Mumbai at this time, you will be greeted with Ganpati Bappa Morya! That reverberates across the state throughout the 10 days of celebration.
GOA
Ganeshotsav celebrations in Goa are similar to the ones in Maharashtra, as Pandals across are decorated with a clay murti of Bappa, placed on a Matoli, with flowers, vegetables and fruits placed at his altar.
In the city of Panaji local communities or Mandals organize Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav or community celebrations at their Pandals that are beautifully decorated. People attending are adorned in traditional wear and they, as per the ritual there, often partake in the events and even competitions that are held. For Instance, competitions such as the Best Decorated Ganpati are held. Furthermore, lucky draws are organized and prize money is given to the winners.
However, one must not miss the platters of sweets that include: Nevri, Modaks and Patoleo that are distributed.
PUNE
Ganeshotsav celebrations in Pune hold great significance, and can be traced from the time of the Peshwa rule in Maharashtra. The Peshwa rule solidified the arrival of Ganpati Bapp, with revered names such as Shrimant Bhausaheb Rangari introducing the concept of community Ganesh Utsav celebrations in the city, with its traditional Pandals that were set up across the city for all to enjoy and participate in.
From Ganpati Aagman to Vosarjan, traditions have always been the best part about Ganeshutsav celebrations in the city of Pune. With women dressed in Nauvaris and men in their colorful Kurta attire, people from across India arrive in Pune to witness the elaborate celebrations that include beats made using five major instruments: Dhol, Tasha, Tol, Jhanj and Dhvaj, during Visarjan especially.
Community celebrations attract a large crowd of devotees, who are often found in Tulshibaug, which is home to the largest Ganpati idol, standing at 15 feet. The celebration here has a set theme that changes every year.
Dagdusheth Ganpati temple also sees a large crowd of devotees, who come here to offer their prayers asn seek Bappa’s blessings. Furthermore, many other destinations such as Jogeshwari and Kasba Ganpati Mandir are the highlights of Pune city. Kasba Ganpati Mandir is home to Pune’s presiding deity.
MANGALURU
Ganeshotsav celebrations in the state of Karnataka are celebrated no differently as compared to other states. In Karnataka, Ganeshotsav is preceded by Gouri Habba. One can witness festive activities that are set up prior to the festival, in Managlore’s Car Street. Here street vendors can be seen setting up their stalls, with Murtis, flowers, Moode leaves and sugar cane.
Ganeshotsav celebrations here are also characterized by devotional music of ‘Bhaktigeetas’, which are sung at every Pandal in the city, especially live music that is organized late evenings, in which a large number of people indulge in.
BENGALURU
In the city of Bnegaluru, Ganeshotsav celebrations are extremely grand; as are other festivals that are celebrated here. However, one of the most popular celebrations is organized at APS College Grounds in Basavanagudi. Celebrations here have been taking place across five decades now, and the Bengaulru Ganesha Utsava that takes place across 10 days sees renowned musicians and folk singers performing devotional music that amplify the celebration.
HYDERABAD
The tallest Ganpati idol, standing at 50 feet, is located in one of the most well known Ganesh Pandals of Hyderabad: Khairatabad Ganesh. This is a major attraction in the city every year around this time, as people from across the city and the nation arrive here for darshan and performances. Hyderabad, one of the most developed cities across India, also is home to around 75,000 Pandals, who have the ability to mesmerize thousands of devotees with their vibrant decorations, trance-like devotional music and chanting and is truly quite an experience.
The Khairatabad Ganesh has always been one of the well-known and most visited Ganesh pandals in Hyderabad, as the tallest Ganesh idol, approximately 50 ft is placed for darshan and is an attraction that people across the city look forward to.
A few well-known Pandals in Hyderabad include Balapur, Khairatabad, Chaitanyapuri.
NAGPUR
You will be greeted with Aarti and chants of ‘Mam Sarvakarmsiddhaye Siddhivinayak Pujanmaham Karishye’ at Ganpati Mandals in Nagpur. The 31 feet tall Ganpati idol at Vidarbha Mathadi Kamgar Ganesh Utsav is quite a sight to witness when in Nagpur.
Every evening, a multitude of cultural activities take place across the city. On the day of Visarjan, Futala Lake witnesses a large crowd as devotees gather here to bid farewell to Bappa. One of the most iconic attractions in Nagpur is Shri Ganesh Mandir, where people visit in large numbers, particularly for the morning aarti.
VIJAYAWADA
The small city of Vijayawada, home to over 3000 Pandals, comes alive during this time with its festivities that also include a large number of stalls selling Bappa Murtis, flowers, decorations and sweets. Market areas in Vijayawada, are truly a sight to see, as they are colorful, mesmerizing, and VERY CROWDED. Kaleshwara Rao markets among others are filled with thousands of shopping like fanatics during this festival, making the streets of this small city come alive more than ever.
DELHI
It has only been Maharashtra, Gujarat and South India so far, as we look at Ganpati celebrations. However, in Delhi, the celebrations are characterized by music, dance, beautifully decorated Mandaps and delicious Prasadi (Modaks!)
Major celebrations are held at Netaji Subhash Grounds, Laxmi Nagar, Shri Vinayak Mandir, Sarojini Nagar and many others. The Siddhivinayak temple here is a must visit, if you’re in the city during the festival.
So, what places are you visiting this time? Or all of them?
