Ten days of Ganesh , troupes and immersion processions that fill the streets.
The story
- Marks the birth of Ganesha, worshipped as the remover of obstacles and the giver of wisdom.
- It became a big public festival in the 1890s, when Lokmanya Tilak used it to bring people together during the freedom movement.
- Neighbourhood mandals build with music and cultural programmes; at the end the idols are immersed in water, with a farewell until next year.
What happens
Ganesha arrives
Idols are welcomed into homes and with and .
- Through the week
Daily , cultural programmes and huge crowds at famous .
- 1½, 5 and 7 days
Early
Many households immerse their idols part-way through.
- Anant Chaturdashi
The grand immersion
Processions with drums and dancing carry idols to the sea and rivers.
Best places to see it
What to eat
Steamed rice-flour dumplings filled with coconut and jaggery, Ganesha's favourite sweet.
Homes and sweet shops across Mumbai during the festival.
Sweet lentil-stuffed flatbread, with varan bhaat, batata bhaji and kothimbir vadi on the festival thali.
Homes and Maharashtrian restaurants.
Know before you go
- Go early in the morning or very late at night for .
- Use local trains; roads near close.
- is loud, so earplugs help.
- Carry water and keep valuables close.
Organised by
Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav mandals (community celebration)
There's no single organiser. Local committees, temples and families make it happen, so welcome and etiquette matter more than tickets.