Mumbai celebrates Ganesh Chaturthi festival with great fanfare

Mumbai is one of the popular cities of India. Located on the Western border of the country, the city is popularly referred to as the “Financial Capital of India” and “The city where dreams come true”. Visitors coming to India make it a point to visit this beautiful city offering a wide array of tourist attractions. Flight tickets are readily available and there are several flights to Mumbai. Although, any time is perfect to come to this city but the month of September is the best time to come. It is during this month, the Ganesh Festival is celebrated in the city with lot of pomp and show. Though this festival is celebrated all over the country but Mumbai holds a special place as the fan fare and excitement is several notches higher in the city. The festival spans a period of 10 or 11 days. It begins with bringing the idol of the Elephant King, Lord Ganesha to the home where it is worshiped for the next few days. The number of days idol is kept in the house varies from one and a half days to five days. Best airline tickets are available during these days by some leading carriers.

Besides worshiping these idols at home, there are huge pandals also where large idols of the Lord are worshiped night and day. Visitors visit these pandals in large numbers at any time of the day. On the 10th day of the festival, the idol is immersed in water and a warm adieu is offered to the God with a promise to come again next year. Since this city is located on the fringes of the Arabian Sea, the idols are immersed at Girguam Chowpatty and Juhu Chowpatty. Other interior areas that are far from the sea shore, the idols are immersed in nearby lakes.

Lalbaug Raja is considered to be the most popular idol of Lord Ganesha. There is no change in the style of the idol and it is created same year after year but still it pulls large crowds seeking its blessings. Visitors coming here through cheap flights to Mumbai stand for hours together to seek blessings from the God and pay their respects. They ask for their wishes to be fulfilled. Many people get their wishes fulfilled and come back to say thanks to the Lord. The entire city participates in the arrangements and celebration of this festival. 

The city is lighted and the excitement is high. The electricity in the atmosphere is palpable. Shops are set up where people can enjoy street food, buy toys, enjoy games and have a total fun. The moment when the idols are immersed, people become quite emotional. They wish him to come again next year to bring happiness and joy in their life.