Ganpati is the God of prosperity, good fortune, spiritual knowledge and is recognized as the deity of the Supreme Self. The 10-day Ganpati festival is celebrated by Hindu devotees with great fanfare to honor Lord Ganesha’s re-birth. It is celebrated throughout India with great devotion, but in some parts, particularly in Mumbai, it is the occasion of grand Festivities.
There are Pandals all over Mumbai & great devotional music is played. In South Mumbai, you will surely find the height of these Idols from 20 ft to 35 ft tall. It is fascinating to visit these pandals & watch such huge Idols with Spectacular decorations & artwork by the best Artisans of India.
So, if you are new in Mumbai & have a few hours to witness the cultural side of Mumbai then I am sure this Blog will surely benefit you a lot.
So how do we start… ?
First things first, as we all know Mumbai is a crowded city & to visit the Ganpati Pandals there will surely be a big queue & lots of crowd. So, to avoid the rush, you should always wake up early & start your day.
Where to go… ?
Start your Journey from Grant Road station (By Train) & reach at Khetwadi (walking distance from the station) at around 7.00 am. Khetwadi itself has 20 huge Ganpati Pandals so you can surely see lots of Ganpati plus it is time-saving too.
The varieties & forms of Ganpati Idols in Khetwadi are just too amazing they have one of the best collections where you can find the smallest of Ganpati of 1 inch to the tallest one up to 35ft tall all at one place. Plus, the decorations inside the Pandals are also superb and each Pandal has its unique theme.
As you reach Khetwadi you will find all the Ganpati Pandals in the below order. So… let’s get started.
1. Khetwadi cha GANRAJ
It is located at 12th Lane of Khetwadi & popularly known as “Khetwadi cha Ganraj” which was established in the year 1959. Each year they have similar Ganpati Idol & a magnificent Air-conditioned Pandal.
2. Mumbai cha MAHARAJA
Located on 11th Lane of Khetwadi popularly known as “Mumbai cha Maharaja” had a Butterfly themed Pandal this year which looked Beautiful.
3. Khetwadi cha EKVIS MUKHI
Every year they have the same Ganpati Idol having Ekvis Mukh meaning 21 Faces. It is spectacular to watch the details that have been made by the artisans. It was established in the year 1992.
4. Khetwadi cha SHREE GANESH
This is my favorite of all as this group makes the Ganpati Idols from various materials like buttons, Cadbury, chikki, Modak, etc. This year the idol was made from Wax Crayons. And even with all such materials, they don’t miss out on single detail which is awesome. Hats off this work. It was established in the year 1943.
5. BAPPA Khetwadi cha
Then as move ahead, you will come across Khetwadi 10th Lane. Here also the Idol is huge plus it has huge decorations also. it was established in the year 1956.
6. Khetwadi cha YUVRAJ
This Pandal usually standard small-sized sitting position Ganpati, but the main attraction over here is the 1inch Ganpati Idol (which we dint get to see this year because the mechanism was not working). Yuvraj means Prince & this Idol surely looks like the young prince of Khetwadi.
7. Khetwadi OM TANDAV
This Pandal has cool & smiling faced Ganpati Idol, and has really lovely & simple decoration.
8. Khetwadi cha Chintamani
Khetwadi cha Chintamani is like Idol of Chintamani located near Lalbaug. You can surely call it a junior version of Chintamani. The decoration was also very nice & had a “Save Forest” theme this year due to Amazon Fire.
9. Khetwadi cha MAHA GANPATI
It is located at Khetwadi 8th lane. This Ganpati you surely cannot miss on. It is the Tallest Ganpati Idol in Mumbai. This year the height was 35feet from the ground. This year it was in the form of Hanuman & every year they have fancy idol which is too mesmerizing to watch. This year they completed 56 years of their Maha Ganpati group.
10. Khetwadi cha RAJA
Truly like a KING. This Ganpati is regarded as the King of Khetwadi. It has magnificent Decorations & a King-sized Ganpati idol having its own pleasing attitude. During the time of Visarjan i.e. on the last day of the Ganpati festival, this Ganpati moves out first followed by everyone in the entire lane.
11. Khetwadi 7th Lane
This year the Ganpati in 7th lane was in the beautiful form of Lord SHIVA (Father of Ganpati).
12. Khetwadi cha LAMBODAR
It was established in the year 1958 & is located in the 4th Cross lane of Khetwadi. Every year they come up with different forms & versions of Ganpati Bappa.
13. Khetwadi 3rd Cross Lane
This year the Pandal had the theme of Motu Patlu & so they had 2 Ganpati idols one of 25ft tall & other of just 1inch. The highlight was 1inch Ganpati Bappa which was super cool & even the details were fabulous. Totally awe-struck.
14. Khetwadi cha MAHARAJA
Located at 2nd Cross lane, Khetwadi cha Maharaja had an awesome concept this year. It was a 360-degree rotating Ganpati idol. It had a globe in the hand which was also rotating. This was best to see. It was established in the year 1956.
15. Khetwadi 5th Lane
Altogether a different darkish brown-tinted Ganpati idol. The decoration was also simple yet beautiful. It had its own beauty.
16. RAJA Khetwadi cha.
This pandal is located in the 4th lane of Khetwadi. They had the concept of BALAJI so the throne of Ganpati had Balaji on the backside. You can surely get blessings from both God. Once again, a very beautiful idol.
17. Khetwadi cha VIGHNAHARTA
This was my personal favorite. Amazing work is done by the artists. Truly beautiful idol with Swans all over. It is located in the 2nd & 3rd cross lane of Khetwadi. This group is very old, it had established in 1937.
There were more two Ganpati pandals in Khetwadi of which we were unable to take the pics because they were changing the clothes of Ganpati Bappa.
But they also had a unique concept one of Krishna & another to save trees & water. Both the idols were spectacular. So, in all, you can see 19 Ganpati Idols in just one lane of Khetwadi.
Then as you complete the End of Khetwadi, on the opposite side you can see Kumbharwadi. Over there also you can find a huge Ganpati Pandal where you can even sit for a while as they have benches & little sitting arrangement as they have quite a big pandal. So, your 20th Ganpati Darshan is of Kumbharwadi cha RAJA.
Now, after completing the Darshan of these 20 Idols you need to take the cab to Hukmil lane. This 20 Darshan will just take 1.5hrs max with good photos & proper darshan at each pandal.
21. Hukmil Lane cha RAJA
At Hukmil lane the Pandal & the idol is big. Hukmil lane cha Raja was established in 1934. The idol is usually in standing position and the hands are shaped in such a way that it feels like Bappa is dancing & enjoying.
22. Delai Road cha MAHARAJA
This Ganpati idol is very cute & weighs much. Always in a sitting position, this Ganpati is healthy one & so we have nicked name him as “Body Builder” Ganpati.
After you complete visiting both these Pandals then you can go to Chinchpokli which is within walking distance from Delai road to visit Chinchpokli cha Chintamani.
23. Chinchpokli cha CHINTAMANI
Chintamani is very famous in this area. At the start of the lane, you will find huge & creative decorations. The idol is also very pleasing & every year they have near about the same idol. They were established in the year 1920 which means this year they completed 99years. Isn’t that wow? This group of Pandal has its own logo which is placed on the throne. There is a big queue if you want to seek for Blessings by touching the feet of Ganesha. Else you can surely watch & pray from a little far. I can assure the view is very pleasing & you can surely sense the positive vibes that it carries.
24. RAJA Tejukayacha
This year Raja Tejukayacha held a Record of having the Tallest Eco-Friendly Ganpati. The height of the idol was 22ft tall & was made from newspaper. This Idol has its own style every year. They have big red or pink-tinted ears & a big forehead. To visit this Pandal you can take a pass which is for Rs. 20 per person (as of today). I would surely recommend you to take this pass as you can easily get direct entry into the pandal, in this way you can surely save lots of time.
25. MUMBAI CHA RAJA
Last but not the least, comes the King of Mumbai. Such a magnificent décor & supremely magnificent Ganesh Idol. It is at Ganesh Galli. The entrance is very huge & there is a lot of crowds & here also there is a pass system by which you can get direct access (must recommended) There is a small mandir & huge palace-like decoration which you can witness before reaching the Ganpati. It is the massive experience which you should surely not miss on. On the day of visarjan Mumbai cha Raja is the first one in whole South Mumbai who gets out first followed by everyone else. The Aura of Mumbai cha Raja is totally on the next level & you cannot miss on this one that is for sure.
So guys, this is the list & the order in which you can visit 25 Ganpati Pandals or 25 Ganpati Darshan in Mumbai in just 3hrs with peace & comfort. Below is the brief of Tips that you should surely not miss on:
Tip 1 – As you start your day early you won’t encounter much crowd so there is no tension of rush or big queue.
Tip 2 – where ever pass systems are available surely opt for that as it can save a lot of time.
Tip 3 – don’t eat much till you visit the Pandals as then you can feel lazy or may get tired soon. Always prefer to eat last so you can return home early.
Tip 4 – We usually avoid Lalbaug cha Raja Darshan as that is time taking but if you still wish to visit then you can opt for it at last or I would suggest you to go for Darshan on the very first day of this 10-day Ganpati festival.
Tip 5 – Don’t carry much stuff. Just carry a small bag or a wallet. That’s it… & you are good to go.
I know for this year it is surely a late post, but I wished to post this as it is really helpful to all the Ganpati Bappa fans who would wish to visit the pandals. Every year we go following the above-mentioned order & it is one of the best feelings that you can’t even imagine. If you have never done this before then I would surely suggest you to go for Ganpati Darshan once any year with your family, friends or kids & from next year I can bet that you will surely go without anyone even telling you. The Vibes & Energy is very Positive, Refreshing, Blessed & the Best Feeling.
So, starting off my first Blog with Shree Ganesh.
GANPATI BAPPA MORYA… PUDHCHYA VARSHI LAVKAR YAA…!!!
4. Khetwadi cha SHREE GANESH
This is my favorite of all as this group makes the Ganpati Idols from various materials like buttons, Cadbury, chikki, Modak, etc. This year the idol was made from Wax Crayons. And even with all such materials, they don’t miss out on single detail which is awesome. Hats off this work. It was established in the year 1943.
6. Khetwadi cha YUVRAJ
This Pandal usually standard small-sized sitting position Ganpati, but the main attraction over here is the 1inch Ganpati Idol (which we dint get to see this year because the mechanism was not working). Yuvraj means Prince & this Idol surely looks like the young prince of Khetwadi.
9. Khetwadi cha MAHA GANPATI
It is located at Khetwadi 8th lane. This Ganpati you surely cannot miss on. It is the Tallest Ganpati Idol in Mumbai. This year the height was 35feet from the ground. This year it was in the form of Hanuman & every year they have fancy idol which is too mesmerizing to watch. This year they completed 56 years of their Maha Ganpati group.
10. Khetwadi cha RAJA
Truly like a KING. This Ganpati is regarded as the King of Khetwadi. It has magnificent Decorations & a King-sized Ganpati idol having its own pleasing attitude. During the time of Visarjan i.e. on the last day of the Ganpati festival, this Ganpati moves out first followed by everyone in the entire lane.
13. Khetwadi 3rd Cross Lane
This year the Pandal had the theme of Motu Patlu & so they had 2 Ganpati idols one of 25ft tall & other of just 1inch. The highlight was 1inch Ganpati Bappa which was super cool & even the details were fabulous. Totally awe-struck.
There were more two Ganpati pandals in Khetwadi of which we were unable to take the pics because they were changing the clothes of Ganpati Bappa.
But they also had a unique concept one of Krishna & another to save trees & water. Both the idols were spectacular. So, in all, you can see 19 Ganpati Idols in just one lane of Khetwadi.
Then as you complete the End of Khetwadi, on the opposite side you can see Kumbharwadi. Over there also you can find a huge Ganpati Pandal where you can even sit for a while as they have benches & little sitting arrangement as they have quite a big pandal. So, your 20th Ganpati Darshan is of Kumbharwadi cha RAJA.
Now, after completing the Darshan of these 20 Idols you need to take the cab to Hukmil lane. This 20 Darshan will just take 1.5hrs max with good photos & proper darshan at each pandal.
After you complete visiting both these Pandals then you can go to Chinchpokli which is within walking distance from Delai road to visit Chinchpokli cha Chintamani.
23. Chinchpokli cha CHINTAMANI
Chintamani is very famous in this area. At the start of the lane, you will find huge & creative decorations. The idol is also very pleasing & every year they have near about the same idol. They were established in the year 1920 which means this year they completed 99years. Isn’t that wow? This group of Pandal has its own logo which is placed on the throne. There is a big queue if you want to seek for Blessings by touching the feet of Ganesha. Else you can surely watch & pray from a little far. I can assure the view is very pleasing & you can surely sense the positive vibes that it carries.
24. RAJA Tejukayacha
This year Raja Tejukayacha held a Record of having the Tallest Eco-Friendly Ganpati. The height of the idol was 22ft tall & was made from newspaper. This Idol has its own style every year. They have big red or pink-tinted ears & a big forehead. To visit this Pandal you can take a pass which is for Rs. 20 per person (as of today). I would surely recommend you to take this pass as you can easily get direct entry into the pandal, in this way you can surely save lots of time.
25. MUMBAI CHA RAJA
Last but not the least, comes the King of Mumbai. Such a magnificent décor & supremely magnificent Ganesh Idol. It is at Ganesh Galli. The entrance is very huge & there is a lot of crowds & here also there is a pass system by which you can get direct access (must recommended) There is a small mandir & huge palace-like decoration which you can witness before reaching the Ganpati. It is the massive experience which you should surely not miss on. On the day of visarjan Mumbai cha Raja is the first one in whole South Mumbai who gets out first followed by everyone else. The Aura of Mumbai cha Raja is totally on the next level & you cannot miss on this one that is for sure.
So guys, this is the list & the order in which you can visit 25 Ganpati Pandals or 25 Ganpati Darshan in Mumbai in just 3hrs with peace & comfort. Below is the brief of Tips that you should surely not miss on:
Tip 1 – As you start your day early you won’t encounter much crowd so there is no tension of rush or big queue.
Tip 2 – where ever pass systems are available surely opt for that as it can save a lot of time.
Tip 3 – don’t eat much till you visit the Pandals as then you can feel lazy or may get tired soon. Always prefer to eat last so you can return home early.
Tip 4 – We usually avoid Lalbaug cha Raja Darshan as that is time taking but if you still wish to visit then you can opt for it at last or I would suggest you to go for Darshan on the very first day of this 10-day Ganpati festival.
Tip 5 – Don’t carry much stuff. Just carry a small bag or a wallet. That’s it… & you are good to go.
I know for this year it is surely a late post, but I wished to post this as it is really helpful to all the Ganpati Bappa fans who would wish to visit the pandals. Every year we go following the above-mentioned order & it is one of the best feelings that you can’t even imagine. If you have never done this before then I would surely suggest you to go for Ganpati Darshan once any year with your family, friends or kids & from next year I can bet that you will surely go without anyone even telling you. The Vibes & Energy is very Positive, Refreshing, Blessed & the Best Feeling.
So, starting off my first Blog with Shree Ganesh.
Gr8 work.👌🏻👌🏻
Thanks🤩👍
Thanks for sharing your experience with us.
It will surely help us next time.
Yeah surely it will help… m glad you liked it🤩👍