The streets reverberate with chants of “Ganpati Bappa Morya”, the aroma of fresh flowers takes over the air and the beauty and divinity of Lord Ganesha’s idol just leave us mesmerised. That’s the larger than life festival of Ganesh Chaturthi. This is one festival that’s celebrated across India as people worship the God who removes all obstacles. The festival begins with welcoming Lord Ganesha into our homes and then bidding him goodbye at the end of 10 days, immersing the idol into the water. Well, this year across India, due to the pandemic it shall be a subdued celebration with social distancing measures. Nevertheless, here are 5 places in India that celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi with vibrancy and fervour.
1. Mumbai
The zealous celebrations of Ganesh Chaturthi all across India started in 1893 in Mumbai. Freedom fighter Bal Gangadhar Tilak organised the first public Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations to unite the common man against the British. He put large hoardings of Lord Ganesha in pavilions. And even encouraged huge Ganesh statues and public celebrations. Ganesh Chaturthi indeed united people from all castes and communities to gather together and celebrate the Lord, who removed all obstacles, even the British.
Till date, if it’s Ganesh Chathurthi, it has got to be in Mumbai. Lord Ganesha in fact is considered as the patron deity in the whole of Maharashtra. Every year around 6000 idols are commissioned in Mumbai. Some of the famous Ganesh Chaturthi pandals here include Lalbaughcha Raja, Siddivinayak Temple, KhetwadiGanraj and Mumbaicha Raja. The major place for immersion of the idol is Chowpatti Beach in Mumbai.
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2. Hyderabad
You might not have known that Hyderabad in South India is another popular destination that people visit to witness grand Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations. Festivities in the city start with the Vinayaka Chavithi and end on Anantha Chaturdashi. On this day, people immerse the idol in water, just like any other city. You can witness around 75,000 Ganesh pandals. Some of the most significant Ganesh pandals in Hyderabad are at Balapur, Chaitanyapuri, Durgam Cheruvu, Khairatabad, Old City and New Nagole. Lord Ganesha is usually bid goodbye at the Hussain Sagar Lake.
3. Goa
3. GoaThe popular beach destination acts as both a tourist spot and the hub of festivities. Ganesh Chaturthi holds a special place in the hearts of Goans. The state celebrates this festival with fun and frolic here. You can witness unique Ganesha idols made with areca nut, cane, bamboo and coconut. Goa’s Mapusa and Marcela are great places to witness the festivities in full fervour. Mapusa has famous Ganesha temples at Ganeshpuri and Khandola. Hordes of devotees professing different faiths gather together to worship the much-loved God of Wisdom.
4. Pune
Pune, fondly known as the ‘cultural capital of Maharashtra’ hosts some of the best Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations in India. During the reign of Peshwas, Lord Ganesha became a widespread patron of the city. Pune celebrates Ganesh Chaturthi with colour, devotion and lots of pomp. Some of the famous Ganesh pandals in Pune include Kesariwada Ganpati, Kasba Ganpati, Tambdi Jogeshwari Ganpati, Guruji Talim, and Tulsi Baug Ganpati. The iconic Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati is a major attractor here as it creates replicas of famous monuments and temples in India. Pune has beautiful Ganesha temples like Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati and Chaturshringi.
Also Read: Specially-Abled Women Made Eco-Friendly Ganesha Idols In Mumbai
5. Kanipakam
Kanikpakam is a hidden gem when it comes to Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations. This village in Andhra Pradesh is nestled in the Chittoor district. The Varasiddhi Vinayaka Temple boasts of a spectacular Lord Ganesh idol which grows in style. This village holds a grand annual festival known as Brahmotsavam. It lasts for 21 days and begins with Ganesh Chaturthi. Tourists planning a visit here during Ganesh Chaturthi can revel in the fun and joyous environment and enjoy the colourful festivities. In 2019, Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh made a Ganesha idol out of bangles.
So these are some of the places that must be on your bucket list for Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations. It’s an exhilarating festival filled with music, dance, happiness, colours and lots more. So, this year, it might be a virtual one, nevertheless, it’s important that Lord Ganesha resides in our hearts, prayers and devotion.