As Ganesh Chaturthi approaches, the city of Mumbai awakens with excitement. It is exactly like waking up from a slumber with dosages of energy, thrill and devotion! Ganpati pandals are no less than individual places of festivities because each one is different. Every pandal is featured by massive idols, traditional rituals, rhythmic aartis and devotional extravaganza!
The city literally attracts devotees from all walks of life. From the tallest Ganpati idols to the most jaw-dropping decorations, get ready to step into a religious fair. Mumbai remains vibrant and awake during celebrations, with devotees chanting the Lord’s name across railway stations, public spaces and residential neighbourhoods. To discover it all, check out the best Ganpati pandals for a delightful time!
20 Iconic Ganpati Pandals in Mumbai are –
1. Lalbaugcha Raja
You simply cannot miss witnessing the glory and glamour of Lalbaugcha Raja. It is one of the famous Ganpati pandals in Mumbai, attracting lakhs of devotees from all across the globe. 10 to 11 days of Ganesh Chaturthi in the Parel location are all about lights, decorations and sleepless nights. Guess what? Even Bollywood celebrities, influencers and cricketers visit this Ganesh pandal for darshan (praying to deity).
It is one of the oldest pandals that has completed 85+ years in the city. What’s more? People believe that the mighty Lord Ganesha, in the form of a raja (king), fulfils the wishes of devotees. Each year, the craftsmanship and artistry dedicated to the Lord are preserved, reflecting the immense love and devotion received.
As easy as it looks, you really need to wait for hours to get darshan for a few seconds. However, it is only the patience and perseverance of devotees that make every hour count. It is best to visit this Ganesh Chaturthi pandal in the initial days when crowds are less. There are two different lines, one that is general darshan and the other is charan sparsh (touching the feet of the idol).
Waiting Time: 2 to 4 Hours for General Darshan | 7 to 12 Hours for Charan Sparsh
Location: Dr Baba Saheb Ambedkar Rd, Shree Ganesh Nagar, Lal Baug, Parel, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400012
If you plan to visit late at night for darshan, you are sure to feel hungry. Check the best spots for early morning breakfast in Mumbai for a delicious treat.
2. Chinchpoklicha Chintamani
Known as Chinchpokli Sarvjanik Utsav Mandal, this Ganesh pandal is located close to Lalbaugcha Raja. It is yet again a buzzing place for thousands of devotees. What’s more? You are certain to love the systematic structure where there are separate lines and great security. It is one of the best Ganpati pandals to visit in Mumbai!
With awe-inspiring decorations and glamour on the face of Lord Ganesh, you are sure to fall in devotional love. The name Chintamani suggests that this form of Lord takes away all the chinta (worries). Devotees tend to share their problems with Chintamani, as it is believed that he heals them all. As you step outside, you can buy keychains especially dedicated to Chinchpokli Cha Chintamani.
Waiting Time: 30 Minutes to 2 Hours
Location: Dattaram Lad Marg, Chinchpokli, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400012
Now that you are in the city of dreams, you should not miss visiting Gateway of India. Such classic places take you back in time with their historic charm.
3. Tejukayacha Raja
The best thing about Ganpati pandals in Mumbai is the diversity you see in the craftsmanship of idols. From the smallest idol to massive ones, Tejukayacha Raja is sure to grab eyeballs. Featured with large ears, the pandal is known for a rather simplistic approach to darshan.
It is located opposite Lalbaugcha Raja, making it easy for you to seek blessings here. You can either wait in line or pay anywhere between INR 20 – INR 40 (varies every time) to get direct darshan. It sure reflects the mind-blowing artistry of sculptors and decorators.
Waiting Time: 15 Minutes to 1.5 Hours
Location: XRVP+C7G, Tejukaya Building, Tejukaya, Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Rd, Ganesh Gully, Lal Baug, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400012
4. GSB Seva Mandal
Established in 1951, GSB Seva Mandal is one of the richest Ganpati pandals in Mumbai. It is associated with Dharmapeetha Sri Kashi Math Samsthan, Varanasi. What attracts devotees is the extraordinary craftsmanship of Lord Ganesh. The idol is studded with massive kilograms of gold as well as silver.
Even celebrities from different parts of the world visit this pandal to offer their prayers. It is best to visit during the weekdays in the early morning to avoid crowds. Unlike many other Ganesh pandals, this one is managed pretty well even when it is crowded. You can also be a part of rhythmic aartis and pujas (rituals) happening throughout the day.
Waiting Time: 20 Minutes to 1.5 Hours
Location: 65/11, Rafi Ahmed Kidwai Rd, near SNDT Women’s College, Matunga East, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400019
Architecture in Mumbai is something that attracts tourists from all over the globe. As you drive to these Ganpati pandals, make sure to witness the colonial legacy in the city.
5. Mumbaicha Raja, Ganesh Galli
Mumbaicha Raja is one of the famous Ganpati pandals in Mumbai. Located close to Lalbaugcha Raja, it is popular for its divinity. Get ready to witness amazing decorations and illumination throughout the area. You need to walk a bit before reaching the idol of Lord Ganesh.
The decorations showcase the cultural heritage of the city. Even waiting lines are managed pretty well! If you wish for charan sparsh, you can buy a VIP pass and wait a little longer than the general darshan. Ganesh Galli is especially characterised for a massive idol with elaborate decorations and glamour all over the pandal.
Waiting Time: 30 Minutes to 2 Hours
Location: 1, Ganesh Nagar Ln, Lal Baug, Parel, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400012
6. Fortcha Raja
Fortcha Raja has started receiving immense love over the last few years. Being a prominent locality in Mumbai, it is known for its grandeur and luxurious decorations. It is one of the popular Ganpati pandals in Mumbai due to its upscale celebrations. Every year, the pandal follows a different theme showcasing creativity.
You shall find a plethora of volunteers and locals guiding you through the way. The murti is characterised by jaw-dropping backdrops where the Lord is seen with sculptures of animals, traditional weapons and so much more. There are a lot of places to explore in and around the fort area. After the darshan, head to Marine Drive to witness the life of Mumbaikars like never before!
Waiting Time: 30 Minutes to 2 Hours
Location: Dwarkadas Ln, Bora Bazar Precinct, Ballard Estate, Fort, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400001
7. Girgaoncha Raja
Girgaon is a popular locality in Mumbai, attracting thousands of tourists. That’s exactly why Girgaoncha Raja is one of the trendy Ganpati pandals in Mumbai. It receives immense love from devotees as it continues to spread happiness for 95 years.
The Nikadwari Lane Ganesh Utsav Mandal is dedicated to various cultural, social and religious activities. Pandal is also known for striving towards sustainability. Lord here is known as the King of Eco-Friendliness, thereby empowering communities. Girgaoncha Raja is all about glamour wrapped in the idea of responsible celebration.
Waiting Time: 1 Hour to 3 Hours
Location: Nikadwari Lane, SV Sovani Path, Girgaon, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400004
8. Parelcha Raja
Parel is a popular locality where you must take the blessings of Parelcha Raja. Being one of the best Ganpati pandals in Mumbai, it is known for its massive murti. The decorations definitely elevate your time in the city.
As it is located close to Nare Park, this pandal is great when travelling with kids. It has a lot of gaming options around, thereby ensuring entertainment throughout. It is more like stepping into a fair with many food stalls and shopping options.
Waiting Time: 20 Minutes to 1.5 Hours
Location: XRXQ+XHR, Narepark Abhyasika, Bhivajirao Nare Udyan, Nare Park Walk, Parel, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400012
9. Andhericha Raja
Andhericha Raja is one of the best Ganpati pandals in Mumbai only for all the unique features of it. Unlike visarjan (immersion of idols in the water) of other idols, the murti here is immersed after Ananth Chaturdashi (last day of Ganesh Chaturthi). It is believed that Lord Ganesh fulfils the wishes of devotees as you seek blessings.
Apart from that, this Ganesh pandal is popular for its crowd management. The area is well-ventilated, allowing you to experience a smooth darshan. You can also touch the feet of the idol without any hassle of moving ahead in line.
Waiting Time: 15 Minutes to 1 Hour
Location: 4RJP+4MM, Azad Nagar Sarvajanik Utsav Samiti, Ganesh Maidan, Azad Nagar II, Veera Desai Rd, Andheri West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400053
10. Kalachowkicha Mahaganpati
Immerse in the world of devotion as you visit Kalachowkicha Mahaganpati. A colourful idol with a smiling face is what makes this pandal a hit among citizens! Off lately, this Ganesh Chaturthi pandal has received abundant love and respect from devotees.
It is because the journey to the pandal happens through really narrow lanes. It is more like an exactly justified space where Lord Ganesh passes through and showers his blessings. Apart from this, the decorations are as good as other famous pandals.
Waiting Time: 30 Minutes to 2 Hours
Location: Swapnapurti A-33, Digvijay Ghruha Sankul, Dattaram Lad Marg, Kalachowki, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400033
11. Khetwadi
Khetwadi is a locality in the city that is characterised by old-style architecture. Unlike buildings, the residential areas are divided into 14 different lanes. Interestingly, each lane has one or more unique Ganesh pandals with vibrant decorations.
What’s more? Every lane has a different name dedicated to the pandal with its distinctive features. Some lanes are also operated by mandals or residents without a specific name. In fact, Khetwadi is the location where you find some of the tallest idols in Mumbai. Also, some idols here are crafted in the form of different gods or goddesses.
You cannot miss the display of animals along with Ganesh idols. Massive elephants, cows, peacocks and other animals are used as the carriers of the lord. As you witness the beautiful murtis, what elevates your time is the themed decoration. The decorations could be about saving nature, educating daughters, climate change and so on!
The entry fee for the Ganesh Chaturthi pandal varies from one lane to the other. It ranges anywhere from INR 20 to INR 60 per person. Most pandals accept digital payments, making it easy for you. Below mentioned are some of the famous Ganpati pandals in Khetwadi along with many more to be discovered.
- 3rd Lane: Khetwadicha Vighnaharta
- 4th Lane: Khetwadicha Lambodara
- 5th Lane: Mumbaicha Ganpati
- 6th Lane: Mumbaicha Samrat
- 7th Lane: Khetwadicha Morya
- 8th Lane: Khetwadicha MahaGanpati
- 9th Lane: Khetwadicha Chintamani
- 10th Lane: Khetwadicha Yuvraj
- 11th Lane: Mumbaicha Maharaja
- 12th Lane: Khetwadicha Ganraj
- 13th Lane: Mumbaicha Anant
Things to Know Before Visiting Ganpati Pandals in Mumbai
- Be ready to WAIT! The waiting lines are generally long and citizens are quite adapted to it. For famous pandals, you might have to wait longer just to catch a glimpse of the lord. That’s exactly why you should be mentally prepared before planning.
- When discovering many pandals in one day, you sure have to do a lot of walking. Comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended.
- Travelling with children is definitely a hassle if you visit the popular pandals. Even though the weather remains pleasant, overcrowding can lead to cranky behaviours in children.
- Once you are in the waiting line, it is difficult to get out of them. Most pandals have different entry and exit lanes to avoid confusion.
- Always carry water and a few snacks to stay hydrated during the journey.
- Many locations are flooded with devotees leaving less to no space for vehicles. You better check the parking facilities when travelling via a private vehicle.
- Certain pandals receive more footfall than you can imagine. You need to walk through narrow lanes among large crowds. So, if you are claustrophobic, avoid visiting without prior knowledge.
- Many Ganpati pandals have an eco-friendly idol to enhance sustainability. Do not litter around or cause damage to the decorations.
- Every pandal has different rules when it comes to the idol. While certain pandals allow touching the feet of idols, certain don’t. Make sure to seek permission before indulging in such practices.
- Dress modestly to respect the local customs and traditions of the festival. Also, do not wear anything uncomfortable considering the waiting time at the pandals.
- Be ready for security checks at many locations. It is best to not carry any valuables, metal elements or leather items. These are generally not allowed.
- Beware of pickpockets throughout the time.
- The city is patrolled by Mumbai police throughout the festival. If you are stuck anywhere, it is best to seek assistance from inspectors around.
Famous Ganpati Pandals across India
Ganesh Chaturthi is a vibrant festival across the entire country. Whether it is Pune in Maharashtra or Hyderabad in Telangana, you are sure to find massive idols and decorations. If you plan to visit other cities, it is best to visit these pandals for a sacred journey.
Pune
- Rajaram Mandal
- Kasba Ganpati
- Guruji Talim Mandal
- Tulshi Baug Cha Ganpati
- Kesari Wada Ganpati
Hyderabad
- Khairatabad Ganesh
- Balapur Ganesha
- Gowlipura Ganesh Mandap
- Begum Bazar Ganesh Pandals
- Chaitanyapuri Ganesh Pandal
Bangalore
- Basavanagudi
- Sri Vinayaka Geleyara Balaga
- Chitradurga Ganesh Pandal
- Sri Vinayaka Mitra Mandali
Seek blessings at the best Ganpati pandals!
Ganpati pandals in Mumbai redefine the city’s cultural heritage as people from all walks of life gather for celebrations. The cultural extravaganza certainly displays how diverse locals unite to worship Lord Ganesh. To witness it in the best possible way, you can book affordable hotels in Mumbai for a comfortable time.
This festival witnesses lights and decor all across the city. What makes it beautiful is the inclusivity! No matter who you are or where you belong; Ganpati pandals are for one and all.
