The 10-day Ganesh Chaturthi has commenced across Maharashtra with vibrant processions and fervent celebrations, marking the arrival of Lord Ganesh into homes and public spaces.
The festivities kicked off on Saturday, with families and communities immersing themselves in the grand traditions of the festival.
From early morning, devotees of all ages were seen making their way to bring Ganesh idols into their homes, surrounded by the sounds of “Ganpati Bappa Morya” and the rhythmic beats of traditional ‘dhol-tasha’ drum troupes.
The streets were abuzz with activity as people transported the idols in autorickshaws, cars, and on foot, each procession accompanied by music and merriment.
Public celebrations have been particularly lavish, with numerous Ganesh mandals—community groups that host the festival in public spaces—organising elaborate processions in the days leading up to the festival.
The mandals, which have been granted permission by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), have set up pandals across Mumbai and other cities, showcasing large, intricately decorated idols of the deity.
As the festival officially begins, markets across Maharashtra are bustling with activity. Devotees flocked to vegetable and flower markets, sweet shops, and roadside stalls to purchase flowers, puja materials, sweets, and decorative items for their celebrations.
In Mumbai alone, around 15,000 police personnel have been deployed to ensure security during the festival.
The deployment includes 32 Deputy Commissioners of Police, 45 Assistant Commissioners, and a large contingent of constables, home guards, and specialised units from the State Reserve Police Force and Rapid Action Force. This extensive security measure aims to manage the crowd and maintain order throughout the festival’s duration.
The BMC has granted permission to 2,635 Ganesh mandals out of 3,358 applications received.
These mandals will host celebrations in various parts of Mumbai, including well-known areas such as Lalbaug, Parel, Girgaon, Andheri, Chembur, and Fort. Iconic pandals like ‘Lalbaugcha Raja’ are expected to draw large crowds, with devotees eager to pay homage to the deity.
In Matunga, the GSB Seva Mandal, famed for its opulent display of Lord Ganesh adorned with gold jewellery, stands out as one of the wealthiest and most visited mandals.
The festive decorations have brightened up Mumbai’s streets and bylanes, adding to the city's celebratory atmosphere.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has called on citizens to celebrate the festival in an eco-friendly manner.
In a statement released just before the festival began, Shinde expressed hope that Lord Ganesh would bestow blessings upon everyone and urged the public to uphold the heritage and culture of Maharashtra. He also encouraged devotees to assist the needy and disadvantaged during the festival.
However, the BMC has also issued a caution regarding the potential hazards associated with Ganesh idol immersions.
Following ‘trial netting’ conducted by the state’s Fisheries Department, which identified harmful fish and jellyfish in the Arabian Sea, the BMC has warned citizens to be vigilant during immersion activities.
Fish species like Dhomi, Kolambi, and Shingti, along with jellyfish and stingrays, have been detected in large numbers, necessitating precautionary measures to avoid bites.
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