The vibrant 10-day Ganesh festival kicked off in Maharashtra on Saturday, with families and communities celebrating by installing Lord Ganesh idols in homes and public spaces. The state came alive with chants of “Ganpati Bappa Morya” and the rhythmic beats of drums as devotees began the celebrations early in the morning.
In homes and neighbourhoods across the state, families, including the elderly and children, eagerly brought their beloved deity home. Many devotees were seen transporting the idols in vehicles such as auto rickshaws and cars, while lively processions featuring traditional “dhol-tasha” troupes added to the festive atmosphere.
Markets buzzed with activity as devotees shopped for festival essentials, including vegetables, flowers, sweets, and puja items. Sweet shops and roadside stalls also saw heavy footfall as people prepared for the festivities. Politicians and Bollywood celebrities, who traditionally install Ganesh idols in their homes, also participated in the celebrations.
In Mumbai, the city administration made extensive preparations to ensure a safe and smooth festival. A police official reported the deployment of approximately 15,000 personnel, including senior officers. The security team includes 32 deputy commissioners, 45 assistant commissioners, over 2,400 officials, and thousands of constables. Special units such as the State Reserve Police Force and Riot Control Unit have also been mobilized.
This year, over 2,500 Ganesh mandals (community groups) and numerous households across Mumbai are celebrating. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) granted permission to 2,635 mandals for public celebrations. Areas like Lalbaug, Parel, Girgaon, Andheri, Chembur, and Fort are already illuminated with bright, colorful lights.
Famous pandals like ‘Lalbaugcha Raja’ are expected to attract lakhs of devotees. Other renowned mandals, including those in Chinchpokli, Ganesh Gully, and Tejukaya, are also preparing for large crowds. The GSB Seva Mandal in Matunga, known for its gold-adorned idol, remains a highlight of the festival.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde urged for an eco-friendly celebration of the festival. “The heritage and culture of Maharashtra are on full display during this festival. We must preserve this legacy,” Shinde stated, encouraging people to aid the underprivileged during the celebrations.
As the festival concludes with the immersion of Ganesh idols in water bodies, the BMC issued a precautionary advisory warning devotees about the presence of stingrays and jellyfish in the Arabian Sea. Following ‘trial netting’ by the state’s Fisheries Department, harmful marine species were found near popular immersion sites at Girgaon and Dadar. Devotees have been asked to exercise caution during the immersion process to avoid injuries from these aquatic creatures.