Seven Famous Ganesh Mandals in Mumbai

Lord Ganesha is the most famous and dearly worshipped by people in India. Hence Ganesh Chaturthi is one of the most widely celebrated festivals in the country, especially in Mumbai.

The enthusiasm of the people in the city is evident in the vibrant culture that captures every ones imagination. All pandals observe this festival do it with utmost zeal and religious fervour. However there are few, who standout in the crowd with their uniqueness – be it the size of Ganesha Murti, the cultural feast they celebrate or even the social message few of them carry. Then there are some with immense history, backed by the unshaken faith of their followers. Some of the famous Ganesh mandals in Mumbai are:

  1. Lalbaugcha Raja:

One of the oldest and most revered Lord Ganesha is Lalbaugcha Raja and is famously known as ‘Navsacha Ganpati’- The one who fulfils all the wishes. The length of this bee-line of devotees only confirms the immense faith the people bear on him.

History has it that the mandal was formed to bring the first Ganesha idol in 1934 to fulfil a vow to create the Lalbaug Market by local fishermen. It has now around 1.5 million people daily during the festival.

The design of the idol of Lord Ganesha remains same since years and now is patented and made each year by the Kambli family (of Kambli Arts) since 1953.

  2. Mumbai cha Raja:

Few lanes away from the Lalbaugcha Raja is the famous Mumbai cha Raja. Some say it lost its charm to the Lalbaugcha Raja, but it still has the ability to pull large crowds towards itself.

What makes this mandal so famous is the introduction of new themes every year, often presenting a replica of a famous place in India. The theme in 2014 resembled the ancient temple of Jejuri near Puni. This mandal was formed for the benefit of the mill workers in 1928, making it the oldest one in the area.
It is located in Ganesh Galli, Lalbaug (Central Mumbai).

   3. Khetwadi Ganraj:

This mandal was founded in 1959, but it received extreme popularity in 2000 when it made the highest Ganesha idol in Indian history, standing tall at 40 feet. What made it more spectacular was that the idol was decorated with real gold jewellery. One year, the idol studded with real diamonds.
Another attraction happens to be that while visiting this mandal, one can spot a Ganesha idol in mostly all lanes in the area.
This mandal is located on the 12th Lane Khetwadi, Girgaum (South Mumbai).

   4. GSB Seva Ganesh Mandal:

This mandal is affectionately also called ‘Mumbai’s Gold Ganesh’, the reason being that the idol is adorned with more than 60 kilograms of pure gold. Yes, pure gold!

The mandal, probably the richest in the city, was founded by Gowd Saraswat Brahmin community from Karnataka in the year of 1954. This community also conducts various social programs in the city during the time of the festival
This mandal stands out in support of environment as the idol is made of clay, therefore, making it eco-friendly. It also does not play any recorded music, but instead live music using traditional Indian musical instruments is played.
It is located in G.S.B Sports Club Ground, R.A Kidwai Road, King’s Circle, Matunga (Central Mumbai).

   5. Andheri cha Raja:

The mandal was established in 1966 by the workers of the Tobacco Company, Tata Special Steel and Excel Industries ltd.
This idol is not towering or too grand, but it has a reputation for fulfilling wishes.
A special thing about this is that it usually has a novel theme and other attractions like sand sculptures or holding carnivals.
This mandal is located on the Veera Desai Road, Azad Nagar at Andheri.

  6. Girgaon cha Raja:

This mandal holds the richest Ganesh idol in Girgaon. This mandal was started in 1928 by Ramchandra Tendulkar.

  7. Ladka Lambodhar – Rangari Badak Chawl Ganpati

This mandal was first started in 1938. Last year’s idol showed the tall idol of Lord Ganesha by female devotees all around, and it was placed in a 100 feet long Pandal.