The Magic of Ganesh Chaturthi: The vibrant and grand festival of Ganesh Chaturthi is one of the most celebrated Indian festivals. The 11-day festival, also known as Ganeshotsav, marks the birth of Lord Ganesha, the god of prosperity, and is widely celebrated in several Indian states. However, for Mumbaikars, it is not just a festival but an emotion that runs deep in their veins. (Image: Vidushi Nigam)
A Peek Into The Pandals: People from different cities and states come to visit the grandeur of these pandals, bearing the patience of standing in long queues for hours. Pandals in Mumbai are designed with huge idols of Lord Ganesha based on varied themes like Chandrayaan-3, women empowerment, G20, etc. (Image: Vidushi Nigam)
The Big 3: Three of the major Ganpati mandals in Mumbai - Lalbaugcha Raja, Mumbaicha Raja and Andhericha Raja - had the theme of Raigad Fort marking the three hundred and fiftieth anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s coronation. (Image: Vidushi Nigam)
Lord Ganesha, an adorable special guest: People welcome Ganpati at their homes during the start of the festival and immerse themselves in prayers and celebrate during this period.(Image: Vidushi Nigam)
Tradition infused with emotion: Food plays an integral role during this festival as families come together to cook extravagant dishes including madgane, karanji and modaks considered to be Lord Ganesha’s favourite. (Image: Vidushi Nigam)
Unending lines, Unending enthusiasm: Lakhs of devotees line up to pray to Lalbaughcha Raja and seek his blessings and persevere standing in queues for as long as 25-30 hours for a glimpse of this diety. (Image: Vidushi Nigam)
Dancing devotees: At the end of this 11-day festival, processions are witnessed on the streets of Mumbai as the idols are carried for immersion to the coast, accompanied by devotional singing, people dancing to drum beats, and bursting crackers. (Image: Vidushi Nigam)
Bidding goodbye: The immersion, or visarjan, symbolises Ganesha’s homeward journey to Mount Kailasha, said to be the abode of his parents, Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva. In Mumbai alone, around 1,50,000 idols are immersed during these 11 days every year. (Image: Vidushi Nigam)
Mumbai's core: The fervour and enthusiasm, and the sheer magnitude of celebrations make Ganesh Chaturthi an integral part of Mumbai’s cultural fabric. (Image: Reuters)