Mumbai’s 12-day Ganeshotsav will feature large-scale public installations, community services and a pet-friendly mandap as the city’s sarvajanik mandals prepare for celebrations from September 14 to 25. Ganesh Chaturthi and Hartalika Teej will coincide on Monday because of the overlap between Tritiya and Chaturthi tithis, prompting several devotees to observe a fast on the festival day.
Public pandals across the city are putting the final touches to their decorations. The festival’s public tradition will also mark the 134th year of the organisation at Keshavji Naik Chawl in Girgaum, regarded as the city’s first sarvajanik Ganeshotsav and inspired by Lokmanya Tilak.
The Girgaum organisation, which refers to itself as a sanstha rather than a mandal, is combining traditional and contemporary themes this year. Its decoration will be based on Warli painting, while a special lecture will examine artificial intelligence and the Seven Habits. The organisation will also conduct a quiz for children to commemorate the 125th death anniversary of Swami Vivekananda, which falls in 2027.
At Shivdi, the Shivdi Cha Raja mandal opposite the Sewri bus depot is marking its 75th Ganeshotsav with an Underwater Dwarka theme. The installation recreates the legendary city associated with Lord Krishna as a submerged setting across a 130-foot-long and 65-foot-wide mandap. It includes 1,000 square feet of LED screens, hologram technology, laser light effects and an air-conditioned set.
Around 80 artisans worked on the installation for a month and a half, according to mandal president Shrikant Jadhav. The mandal said its 75-year history is rooted in faith, social commitment and communal harmony. Its longtime advisor Vijay Indulkar said the Underwater Dwarka theme was conceived to mark Amrit Mahotsav and bring the legendary city alive for visitors.
In Cuffe Parade, Mumbai Cha Krupalu of the Colaba Sankraman Shibir Mandal is opening its celebration to pets. The mandal’s 44th Ganeshotsav will feature a 22-foot idol of Kaal Bhairav carved by moortikar Rajan Zhad. Since the dog is regarded as Lord Shiva’s vehicle, the mandal has invited residents to bring their dogs and cats to receive blessings. The pet-friendly pandal has been organised in association with Jeevone Welfare Foundation.
Ghatkopar mandals are also preparing themed installations and community programmes. Kamrajcha Maharaja will feature a 25-foot idol resembling Shiv Shankar, while its organisers plan a blood donation camp on September 13 and medical camps throughout all 12 days of the festival. Children will be able to take part in drawing and handwriting competitions, while adults will be offered Shiv charcha and career guidance sessions.
