From Lalbaug to Andheri: 10 Mumbai Ganpati Pandals Worth Visiting

With Ganeshotsav just around the corner, Mumbai gears up for one of its grandest celebrations. The city comes alive with beautifully adorned Ganpati pandals that draw thousands of devotees and visitors each year. Here are 10 of the most popular ones you should check out.

1. Lalbaugcha Raja, Lalbaug

Lalbaugcha Raja is one of the most visited Ganpati pandals in Mumbai. It is famous for fulfilling devotees’ wishes. Devotees often wait in long queues, sometimes more than 24 hours, to get a chance for darshan. The pandal makes arrangements for water, food, and toilets to support the visitors. It was started in 1932 when local vendors, after regaining their shops, vowed to set up a Ganpati pandal.

2. Lalbaug Sarvajanik Utsav Mandal, Ganesh Galli

The Lalbaug Sarvajanik Utsav Mandal, widely known as Ganesh Galli in central Mumbai, is among the city’s most iconic Ganesh pandals, founded in 1928. It is celebrated for its annual tradition of crafting elaborate, theme-based decorations inspired by Hindu culture and heritage. The highlight is its towering 22-foot Ganesh idol, a historic landmark since 1977, when it became Maharashtra’s first idol to reach such a height.

3. Keshavji Naik Chawl Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal, Girgaum

The Keshavji Naik Chawl Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal in Girgaon, established in 1893 by Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak, is Mumbai’s oldest public Ganpati mandal. Founded to encourage communal unity and support the freedom movement against British rule, it is known for its steadfast devotion to tradition, marking the festival in a serene and simple way, without loudspeakers, dhol-tasha, or lavish décor.

4. Chinchpokli Chintamani Raja

Founded in 1920, the Chinchpokli Sarvajanik Utsav Mandal is celebrated for its elaborate Ganesh Chaturthi festivities and the famous Aagman Sohala procession. Its idol, called Chintamani, meaning “wish-fulfilling jewel”, is revered for easing devotees’ troubles and attracts millions of visitors annually.

5. Azad Nagar Sarvajanik Utsav Samiti, Andheri

Established in 1966, the Azad Nagar Sarvajanik Utsav Samiti, fondly called Andheri Cha Raja, is a community group in Andheri West, Mumbai. It was founded by blue-collar workers from the Golden Tobacco Company, Tata Special Steel, and Excel Industries Ltd., who had moved from the Lalbaug and Parel neighborhoods.

6. Goud Saraswat Brahmin Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Samiti, King’s Circle

Known for its gold Ganpati idol, this mandal follows eco-friendly traditions and strict dress codes for devotees participating in poojas. Around 75,000 poojas are expected to be performed here over five days. The pandal is monitored by CCTV cameras for security.

7. Fort Vibhag Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal, Fort

Founded in 1955, the Fort Vibhag Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal in South Mumbai’s Fort area is among the city’s oldest and most revered Ganesh mandals. Widely known as Fortcha Icchapurti or Fort Vibhag Sarvajanik Icchapurti Ganesh, it holds a special place in the city’s festive celebrations.

8. Sahyadri Krida Mandal, Chembur

Founded in 1977 as a modest sports club, Sahyadri Krida Mandal in Tilak Nagar, Chembur, later began organizing the Sarvajanik Ganesh Utsav. The mandap is famous for its grand decorations and creative themes, featuring replicas of historic landmarks like the Red Fort, Shaniwar Wada, and Mysore Palace, along with designs inspired by Bollywood.

9. Khetwadicharaja, Khetwadi

This mandal has won several awards for its idol and decorations. The Ganpati idol stands 15 feet tall and is decorated with diamonds, including on its trunk. The mandal encourages devotees to enjoy a peaceful, temple-like atmosphere during darshan.10. Goud Saraswat Brahmin (GSB) Seva Mandal, Wadala
One of the richest mandals, it has a 14-foot eco-friendly idol decorated with gold on its hands, legs, and hips, along with diamonds. Located near Ram Mandir, the pandal is decorated with flowers and crowns. Each year, around 2 lakh people visit, with arrangements made to serve prasad and food to visitors comfortably.