2012 Ganesh Festival in Mumbai: Themes of Popular Mandals

Khetwadi Ganraj.

At last, the suspense is over. Mumbai's Ganesh idols have now all been unveiled for the 2012 Ganesh Chaturthi festival. Here's an overview of the themes of some of the most popular mandals in the city.

• Ganesh Galli has built a replica of Nepal's Pashupathinath temple for its idol, known as the Mumbaicha Raja. The idol is a towering 22 feet, which flouts guidelines to have smaller idols in the city this year.
• Across the road, Tejukaya colony has recreated the same idol as last year to get closure after its idol unfortunately toppled on the way to be immersed. The idol has, however, been reduced by four feet to 18 feet, in keeping with the guidelines. The theme is farmer suicides.
• 12th Lane Khetwadi has used the ISKON temple in Babulnath as inspiration this year. It's installed crystal chandeliers and imitation diamonds in the decor. This mandal is always one of the most spectacular in Mumbai. The idol, known as the Khetwadi Ganraj, is 12 feet tall.
• 11th Lane Khetwadi, referred to as the Mumbaicha Maharaj, has cast its idol as the Heramb avatar of Lord Ganesh. This is the first incarnation of the Lord, riding on a lion. It's surrounded by a soothing garden.
• The Andhericha Raja is housed in a replica of the Jain Dilwara temples, near Mount Abu in Rajasthan.
• The Fort GPO mandal has modeled its setting on Bikaner's Lakshmi Niwas Palace. Its focus this year is on organ donation.
• The Shribalagopal Ganesh Utsav Mandal at Marine Lines seems to to be the most talked about mandal this year, with a towering 24 foot display and theme of five evils that are plaguing India (terrorism, corruption, child labor, dowry, and female foeticide). The idol sits on the shoulders of a flying Lord Hanuman.
• Children will love the Sahyadri Krida Mandal at Tilak Nagar, Chembur, this year. In addition to a lavish setting resembling palaces and temples, there's an elaborate Kidsworld inside a small castle with colorful dinosaurs and cartoon characters.

Which mandals do you think have the best idols? Share your favorites here. Or find out more about where to best experience the festival in this Mumbai Ganesh Chaturthi Guide.