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The Ganeshotsav or Ganesh Chaturthi celebration is widely celebrated in Maharashtra with great enthusiasm and energy. The festival is just around the corner and Mumbaikars are all set to welcome Ganpati Bappa with colourful pandals where the air is already filled with aroma of love, faith and affection for the elephant-headed Hindu god of beginnings.

Though the festival holds importance across the country, the financial capital of India, Mumbai raises the bar for nationwide celebrations. The city is well known throughout the world for its extravagant Ganeshotsav. In the build-up to the festival, every inch of the city is decked out in lights, vibrant colours and foot-tapping dhol beats.  

Here is the list of the top five Ganpati pandals in Mumbai you must visit this Ganeshotsav

Lalbaugcha Raja 

The Lalbaugcha Raja, which literally means King of Lalbaug is the most well-known and iconic Ganpati pandal in Mumbai if not in the world. The pandal with a history of over 80 attracts 1.5 million people on average each day including several VIPs that live in Maharashtra and nearby states. People coming for darshan here believe that this Ganesh idol grants every desire.

Lalbaugcha Raja Mandal was established in 1934 (Image: ANI)


Ganesh Galli Mumbaicha Raja 

The Mumbaicha Raja is another famed pandal in Mumbai that is located only a couple of lanes away from the Lalbaugcha Raja. The initiation story of this pandal makes it iconic as it was formed for the benefit of the mill workers in 1928, making it the oldest one in the area. This pandal is famous for its imaginative themes every year, often impersonating the famous places of India.  

The Mumbaicha Raja was formed for the benefit of the mill workers. (Image: ANI)


GSB Seva Mandal Ganpati 

The GSB Seva Mandal Ganpati in King Circle is regarded as the richest in the city and it is mostly adorned with the most exquisite gold and silver embellishments. Mumbaikars can witness Ganpati’s unique visual extravaganza as thousands of worshippers come to ask for blessings. It is the only pandal where puja rituals are carried out around the clock throughout the festival.

The GSB Seva Mandal Ganpati idol adorned with gold ornaments (Image: ANI)


Andhericha Raja  

The Andhericha Raja which means King of Andheri is treated no less than a king during the 10 days of the festival. It was established in 1966 and since then has attracted devotees across the country. You may also end up spotting several film stars, waiting for the darshan of the Lord Ganesha.

An artist decorating a Ganesh idol in Mumbai (Image: ANI) 


Khetwadicha Ganraj

The intriguing detail of this Ganesh pandal is that the shape of the idol has not changed over the years and the same idol maker has been creating the statue for the entire time. Once there, you'll notice that there are 13 lanes with a Ganesh pandal in each one. However, the pandal in the 12th lane is the most well-liked of all. Khetwadi cha Raja pandal has also received numerous honours for the best idol and pandal in Mumbai.  

The Khetwadicha Ganraj idol has not changed its shape. (Image: ANI/@sthaapna)