From Dhol Tasha To Ukadiche Modak: 8 Things Maharashtrians Miss During Ganeshotsav In The UAE

For Maharashtrians, Ganeshotsav is more than a festival — it’s a feeling woven into the sounds, flavours and traditions of home. Living in the UAE doesn’t mean the celebrations stop. However, certain things can still spark nostalgia, from the thunder of dhol tasha and bustling Ganpati pandals to homemade naivedya and family gatherings. Here are eight things many Maharashtrians may miss during Ganeshotsav in the UAE.

Things Maharashtrians Miss In The UAE During Ganeshotsav

1. The Sound Of Dhol Tasha

The unmistakable beats of dhol tasha are one of the sounds that instantly signal Ganeshotsav in Maharashtra. As firecrackers take to the streets, the powerful rhythms and energetic performances create an atmosphere that is hard to replicate in the UAE. For many Maharashtrians living abroad, hearing those drums during the festival can bring back memories of crowded processions, dancing, and evenings spent visiting Ganpati mandals.

2. Home-Cooked Naivedya

Ganeshotsav is incomplete without the aroma of a home-cooked naivedya prepared especially for Ganpati Bappa. Maharashtrian families may miss preparing festive favourites such as puran poli, modak, varan-bhaat, batata bhaji and usal, followed by offering the food during the aarti. There is also something special about generations coming together in the kitchen, following family recipes and preparing each dish with care.

3. Visarjan Processions

The Ganpati visarjan procession is one of the most emotional and energetic parts of Ganeshotsav, and many Maharashtrians in the UAE may miss it deeply. The sight of beautifully decorated idols moving through crowded streets, accompanied by dhol tasha, dancing devotees and chants of “Ganpati Bappa Morya”, creates an unforgettable atmosphere. A bittersweet feeling settles in as families and communities come together to bid Bappa farewell, hoping to welcome him back the following year.

4. Friends & Family Coming Together

For many Maharashtrians, Ganeshotsav is as much about coming together with friends and family as it is about the celebrations themselves. The festival brings everyone under one roof for aarti, homemade naivedya, prasad and long conversations, while visits to relatives and neighbourhood Ganpatis keep the days busy. Those spontaneous plans, crowded homes and familiar faces can be especially nostalgic for Maharashtrians celebrating away from Maharashtra.

Also Read: 8 Maharashtrian Foods That Complete A Ganpati Thali, From Puran Poli To Bharli Vangi

5. The Festive Atmosphere In Maharashtra

There’s a certain magic in Maharashtra during Ganeshotsav, when streets, homes and neighbourhoods come alive with decorations, music and celebrations. Ganpati mandals glow with lights and families step out for darshan, often turning an ordinary evening into a festive outing. The buzz around local markets, decorated lanes and community celebrations adds to the excitement.

6. Visiting Ganpati Pandals

Visiting Ganpati pandals is a much-loved Ganeshotsav tradition, with families and friends often spending evenings hopping from one beautifully decorated mandal to another. The excitement of discovering elaborate themes, admiring different idols and joining the crowds for darshan adds to the festive spirit. In Maharashtra, even a casual plan to visit one pandal can turn into a full evening of food, music and celebrations.

7. Marathi Cultural Programmes

Ganeshotsav in Maharashtra is also a time for Marathi cultural programmes, adding music, theatre and entertainment to the festive calendar. Families often look forward to Marathi plays, bhajans, dance performances, poetry sessions and other community events organised around local Ganpati celebrations. These programmes bring people together and give the festival a distinctly Maharashtrian character.

8. Ganpati Shopping Spree

The countdown to Ganeshotsav often begins with a trip to the local market, as families shop for everything from puja essentials and flowers to home decorations and a Ganpati idol. Streets and shops across Maharashtra take on a festive look, with colourful torans, lights, diyas and other decorations filling the markets. It’s that familiar market buzz and excitement that Maharashtrians in the UAE may miss.

The spirit of Ganeshotsav can travel anywhere, but for many in the UAE, celebrating in Maharashtra remains truly irreplaceable.

Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/subodhsathe from Getty Images & Rajat Sahu from Pexels.

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