5 Must See Mumbai Ganesh Chaturthi Mandals

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The 2010 Ganesh Chaturthi festival is here, kicking off 11 days (and nights!) of celebration honoring Lord Ganesh's birth.

The festival is particularly huge in Mumbai. Personally, it's my favorite festival of the year. I love visiting  the statues of Lord Ganesh, installed on lavishly decorated mandals (stages) all over the city. Each statue is different, which adds to the excitement.

Where can you find the most impressive Ganesh Chaturthi mandals in Mumbai?

• Lalbaugcha Raja. Mumbai's most popular Ganesh idol. This year the set takes on the look of a king's durbar (court).  However, be prepared to wait four to six hours to see it. This mandal draws millions of devotees.  Where: Lalbaug. Walking distance from Lower Parel, Curry Road, and Chinchpolki stations.
• Ganesh Galli. Just a stone's throw away from the Lalbaughcha Raja, this mandal is famous for having grand new themes every year. This year, the set has been constructed to resemble Mysore's Chamundeshwari Temple.  Where: Parel. Walking distance from Lower Parel and Curry Road stations.
• Khetwadicha Raja.  A spectacular statue with intricate gold and diamond work, and with tusks of pure gold. Its set has been modeled to recreate heaven. Where: 12th Lane Kehetwadi. A short walk from Grant Road East station.
• GSB Seva. Mumbai's gold Ganesh. This 20 foot idol is adorned in 61 kilograms of pure gold, 350 kilograms of silver. It will only remain for the first five days of the festival though.  Where: G.S.B. Sports Club Ground, Near S.N.D.T. Women's College, R. A. Kidwai Road, King's Circle.
• Chandanwadi. The tallest idol in Mumbai, standing 23 feet tall, is accompanied by an eagle. Where: Kalbadevi. Near Marine Lines station.

Also, check out these stunning examples of Ganesh statues in Mumbai in this Ganesh Chaturthi Photo Gallery.

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