Top 15 Must-Visit Ganesh Pandals in Mumbai This Year

Mumbai is called the city of dreams that is bustling day and night, but during Ganesh Utsav, it transforms into a vibrant, colorful, and spiritually charged city. Generally, the Ganesh Chaturthi celebration is done in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Goa, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, and West Bengal but Mumbai’s enthusiasm for this festival is unmatched.

Previously it was a festival celebrated privately at people’s homes but first Shivaji Maharaj and later Lokmanya Tilak made it a public event for social cause. Ganesh Chaturthi in Mumbai is marked by the installation of Ganesh idols in homes and public places, known as Ganesh pandal. During these 11 days, devotees believe that Lord Shree Ganesha visits earth and resides with people, and among the thousands of pandals set up across the city, certain ones have gained legendary status due to their history, grandeur, and the devotion they inspire, let’s know the most famous among them.

Also read: The Story Behind Ganesh Chaturthi: History, Significance

15 must-visit Pandal During Ganesh Chaturthi Mumbai

• If you are visiting for Ganesh Chaturthi in Mumbai Lalbaugcha Raja in Lalbagh is undoubtedly the first stop you must take it is the most famous Ganesh pandal in Mumbai, often referred to as the ‘King of Mumbai’. It was established in 1934 and attracts millions of devotees every year, waiting for hours, sometimes even days, to seek blessings owing to its fame in fulfilling the wishes of its devotees. The lord Ganapathi idol here is known for its grandeur, with its majestic height and intricate detailing. This Ganesha pandal decoration is always elaborate, with themes changing every year yet the idol is the same and the immersion procession is a sight to behold, as it travels through the city to reach Girgaon Chowpatty

Lalbaugh Cha Raja 2024

• Ganesh Galli Ganpati or Mumbaicha Raja in Lalbaug is located just a stone’s throw away from Lalbaugcha Raja and is another iconic pandal to visit during the Ganesh Chaturthi celebration. Established in 1928, it is one of the oldest pandals in Mumbai, known for its creative themes and elaborate set designs, this Ganesha pandal decoration attracts a large number of visitors each year. The themes often replicate famous landmarks from across India, including temples and palaces, the craftsmanship and attention to detail in the decorations are always remarkable

Mumbaicha Raja Ganesh Gully 2024

• GSB (Gaud Saraswat Brahman) Seva Mandal at King’s Circle is known as Mumbai’s richest Ganesh pandal and is famous for its traditional and opulent celebrations. The Lord Shree Ganesha idol here is adorned with real gold and silver ornaments and is known for performing elaborate rituals and ceremonies. The GSB Seva Mandal celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi stands out for its adherence to tradition, its idol is always in a seated posture, and the focus is on Vedic rituals, hence the atmosphere is serene and spiritually uplifting

GSB Seva Mandal

• Another must-visit Ganesh Chaturthi celebration is Khetwadi Ganraj in Khetwadi a locality in Girgaon, known for hosting multiple pandals nearby, but the 12th Lane Khetwadi Ganraj is the most famous among them. This pandal gained fame for creating some of the tallest Ganesh idols in Mumbai, often standing at over 30 feet The pandal is renowned for its innovative themes and towering idols and the Ganesh pandal decorations are themed after mythological tales and Hindu epics

• Andhericha Raja in Andheri established in 1966, is the most famous Ganesh pandal in the suburbs of Mumbai. Unlike most other pandals, the idol here is not immersed in Anant Chaturdashi but is kept for a longer period until the Sankasti Chaturthi or until 21 days. Andheri cha Raja’s celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi is known for its elaborate themes, attracting a celebrity crowd, and its cultural events, including music and dance performances

• The Chintamani of Chinchpokli established in 1920 is another must-visit place in Ganesh Chaturthi Mumbai it is also one of the oldest Ganesh pandals in Mumbai. The pandal is famous for its simplicity and devotion-focused celebrations, the Shree Ganesha idol here is known for its distinctive look, and the pandal is less about grandeur and more about spiritual fervor, yet the immersion procession is a major event in the area with a huge crowd ready to bid bye to their favorite lord and wish for his return

Chinchpokli Cha Chintamani 2024

• Then there is Dongri Cha Raja, established in 1939, which is one of the most significant Ganesh pandals in South Mumbai. It is known for its devotion and community spirit, the idol is traditionally designed, and the pandal is known for its cultural programs and community services, including health camps and blood donation drives, the celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi coincides with public service and helping people being true to the lords nature of being sukh karta and blessing people

• Keshavji Naik Chawl Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal in Girgaon holds the distinction of being the oldest Sarvajanik Ganesh Mandal in Mumbai, established in 1893. It was the first community Ganesh pandal set up after Lokmanya Tilak initiated the public celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi. The celebrations here are steeped in tradition, and the pandal is known for its simple yet powerful depiction of Lord Shree Ganesha

• Then the Fort Vibhag Ganesh Utsav Mandal is another historic pandal, established in 1950. It is known for its cultural heritage and its contribution to the preservation of Marathi culture. The celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi is conducted with a touch of Maharashtrian culture, by showcasing traditional Maharashtrian art forms, including Lavani and Pakhawaj performances

• Instilled in Tejukaya Mansion, Lalbaug the Tejukaya Cha Raja another famous pandal in the Lalbaug area established in 1967. Ganesh Chaturthi’s celebration here is known for its vibrant atmosphere and the dedication of its organizers. The pandal often focuses on socially relevant themes and is known for its beautifully crafted lord Ganapathi idol and intricate decorations

Tejukaya Cha Raja 2024

• The Mazgaon Cha Raja or Mazgaon cha Morya is one of the most popular pandals in the Mazgaon area established in the year 1939, and the Ganesha pandal decoration here is known for its artistic idol that is 12 feet tall and traditionally styled. The pandal’s decorations are elaborate yet rooted in simplicity, emphasizing devotion over grandeur and excluding spiritual atmosphere all thanks to the devotion of its organizers creating a welcoming atmosphere for lord Ganapathi’s devotees

• Borivali Cha Raja is one of the most famous pandals in the northern suburbs of Mumbai and is known for its vibrant atmosphere and the involvement of the local community. The pandal is famous for its creative themes, and beautifully crafted idols, along with hosting various cultural and social events during the festival

• Then the Sahyadri Krida Mandal Ganesh Pandal in Chembur is one of the oldest pandals in the Chembur area, known for its socially relevant themes and community initiatives. The idol is traditionally designed and the organizers are known for their dedication to social causes, including environmental conservation

• The Tulsiwadi Cha Raja in Tardeo is known for its community spirit and devotion, the pandal has a long history and is a major attraction in the area during Ganesh Utsav. The idol is known for its unique design, and the pandal is famous for its cultural programs and community services

• Girgaon Cha Raja in Girgaon is one of the most significant pandals in Mumbai Ganesh Utsav, known for its artistic idol that is traditionally styled and the Ganesha pandal decoration that is simple yet touched with divinity creating a spiritual atmosphere thanks to the devotion of its organizers

                                   Tulsiwadicha Raja 2024                                                     Girgaon Raja 2024

Ganesh Chaturthi in Mumbai is not just a festival; it is an experience that transcends the boundaries of religion and community. Each pandal mentioned above has its charm and significance and it’s just a glimpse into the city’s rich cultural heritage and the deep-rooted devotion of its people. Visiting these pandals offers a unique insight into the spiritual fervor that grips Mumbai during this time contributing to the collective experience of Ganesh Utsav in the city. So whether you are a devotee or a tourist, do visit these pandals it would show you a window into the soul of Mumbai.