The Ganesh Chaturthi festival has commenced in Mumbai and Hyderabad with a large turnout of devotees. In Mumbai, the markets are filled with devotees buying Ganesh idols, flowers, sweets, and other offerings for this festival. Smaller idols are taken home, while larger idols are paraded through the streets with special decorations, accompanied by drumming and chants from the devotees.
Installation of Idols in Public Places
Throughout the city of Mumbai, idols have been installed in homes and temporary temples known as pandals. Some of the most famous locations include Lalbaugcha Raja, GSB Seva Mandal, and Andhericha Raja. These places serve as gathering centers for devotees and create a spiritual atmosphere for the festival.
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Main Attraction in Hyderabad
In Hyderabad, massive crowds have gathered in the Khairatabad area to view the 69-foot tall five-faced Ganesh idol, which is one of the main attractions of this festival. This idol, representing the five-faced Sankatahara Maha Ganapati, symbolizes the five elements: earth, water, fire, air, and space. It is expected that this idol will attract over 3 million devotees before being immersed.
This festival is held in remembrance of the birth of Ganesh, who is known as the remover of obstacles. In 2026, the festival will begin on Wednesday, September 14, and continue until the morning of Thursday, September 15. Various ceremonies will take place over 10 days, culminating on Anant Chaturdashi, Friday, September 25, with the immersion of idols in rivers, lakes, and the sea. This ceremony signifies Ganesh's return to his heavenly abode.
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