(Ganesh Chaturthi festivities are about to begin. So we dug out a list of the must-visit pandals in Mumbai from, The Quint’s archives, to get you going.)
Bappa is ready to make a comeback! And just as the city dresses up for Lord Ganesha’s arrival, it’s time to go exploring in the city. And what better way than go pandal-hopping? We give you a glimpse of Mumbai’s top five pandals - the ones you definitely should not miss during this festival season!
1. Lalbaugcha Raja
Lalbaugcha Raja is the most famous sarvajanikGanapati, kept at Lalbaug, a prominent locality in Mumbai. TheLalbaugcha Raja pandal this year has been designed by Bollywood art directorNitin Chandrakant Desai. In fact, the set was originally designed for theSalman Khan-starrer Prem Ratan Dhan Payo. We hear that the sheeshmahal will be dismantled and taken back to the sets of the film once thefestival is over.
2. Andhericha Raja
Andhericha Raja, managed by the Azad NagarSarvajanik Utsav Samiti, is celebrating its golden jubilee this year. The Samiti has planned to create a pandal replicating Gujarat’s AmbajiMata temple. Wait, it’s not over yet! The Raja will be adorned by clothesdesigned by New York based fashion designer Sai Suman.
3. Khetwadicha Raja
One of the most popular Ganesh idols, apart fromthe iconic Lalbaugcha Raja, is the Khetwadicha Ganraj at Khetwadi Gully no.12. In 2000, the Khetwadi Mandal made the tallest Ganpati statue in Mumbai. Let’s wait and watch if they break their own record this year.
4. GSB Seva Mandal
In 2014, the idol wasdecked with more than 80 kg gold, with a multi-crore rupee insurance cover. However, this year Mumbai’s richest Ganpati at GSB Seva Mandal, King’s Circle, will not be jewelled with gold andsilver ornaments. We can’t wait to see how the GSB Seva Mandal Ganpati will be adorned this year.
5. Girgaoncha Raja
Located in Girgaon, Girgaoncha Raja is thetallest among all the idols of Lord Ganesha in the city. It is the onlyeco-friendly Ganpati. Girgaoncha Raja is made with shadu clay, which isespecially imported from West Bengal.
(At The Quint, we are answerable only to our audience. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member. Because the truth is worth it.)