Ganesh Chaturthi: In Photos

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Ganpati: In PhotosOne of my favorite Indian festivals is the celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi. This 11 day festival takes over the city of Mumbai, giving a festive feel to an already bustling city. For more information on the celebrations and tips on how you can experience it, read our post about it here.

While the immersion celebrations are fascinating to watch and participate in, my favorite thing to do during Ganpati was to visit as many of the mandals around town as I could during the 11 day festival. Seeing the Ganesha idols in their temporary homes with local devotees passing out sweets was the best way to experience this popular Hindu festival.

Visiting the same mandals each year, I found that many of the neighborhood podiums would have the same Ganesh up year after year. While others aimed to showcase a bigger, brighter and more modern Ganesha with light installations, more decorations and with even bigger crowds!

Below are some of our favorites that we saw through the years. Which one is your favorite?

Ganesh Chaturthi: In Photos

Naked Ganesha - Celebrating Ganpati in Mumbai

Ganesh made out of plaster of paris getting ready to be delivered to it’s new home to be adorned with decorations.

Ganpati: In Photos

Celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi in Mumbai

Ganpati: In Photos

Celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi in Mumbai

Ganpati: In Photos

Celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi in Mumbai

Ganpati: In Photos

Celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi in Mumbai

Ganpati in Photos

If you are in Mumbai during a Ganpati celebration, try to visit as many of the idols dotted around town as you can. As you can see, they are all so different and worth a visit even in the crowds!

For more information on where to stay, eat and what to do in Mumbai, check out our Insider’s Guide to Mumbai.

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Celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi in Mumbai: In Photos

15 thoughts on “Ganesh Chaturthi: In Photos”

  1. The first all-white one would be my favorite. The others, although very colorful, are almost gaudy in comparison. Interesting festival, to be sure!

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  2. Interesting photos of Ganesh and insights on the celebration. I’m only familiar with Deepavali/Diwali and Thaipusam as they are the 2 major Hindu celebrations where I live.

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  3. What incredible pictures! I especially love the tall, dancing Ganesh surrounded by blue sky. The ‘Remover of Obstacles’ is a favorite of mine although I’m not Hindu. I do practice a form of Vedic meditation. Seems like a trip to India is long overdue.

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    • There is something about Ganesh that seems to appeal to so many of us non-Hindus. I just love him and am so glad I was able to see so many festivals of Ganpati while in India.

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  4. That sounds very interesting! We have never been to India but it would definitely be cool to participate in some local celebrations!

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  5. Great photos! What a fun colorful festival. I’ve considered a trip to the area – maybe I should travel there while it is going on – thanks for the great info.

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  6. You’ve got some great photos here! I would love to see this place and all the colorful details. I can’t pick a favorite because they’re all pretty cool!

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  7. Great photos! I’ve always been fascinated with India and its culture!Would love to visit the colorful country when there are festivals like this.

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  8. I don’t know, I kind of like them better when they’re all white, without the decorations. They seems a little less… loud? But I guess during the festivities, louder is better lol

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    • Haha yes that’s the difference of people who don’t live in India! Everything is very loud there, so you loose a sense of what is considered ‘normal’ in the color variety!

      Reply

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