Famous Ganesh Mandals in Mumbai

Ganesh Chaturthi Festival, Mumbai

1. Lalbaugcha Raja
    Lalbaugcha Raja Sarvajanik Ganeshostav Mandal

The Lalbaugcha Raja meaning the King of Lalbaug, is undoubtedly the most famous Ganesh idol in Mumbai. The mandal was estabilshed in 1934, and now it top visited spot in mumbai during Ganesh festival.

This Ganesh idol attracts nearly on an average of 1.5 million people a day. People simply believe that this Ganesh idol can fulfill their wishes, and there's a lot of media attention on it from the day one to end of the festival.

There are two main lines to see the idol: a general line, and line for those wanting to make a vow or get a wish fulfilled (navas). The navas line takes devotees right to the idol's feet, whereas the general line offers viewing (darshan) from a distance of around 10 meters away. Until recently, it was common for the navas line to stretch snake-like for over five kilometers. However the organizer has started providing huge air conditioned tents in the adjacent ground to accommodate everyone.

Location: GD Ambedkar Road, Lalbaug (central Mumbai).
Nearest Railway Station: Walking distance from Lower Parel, Curry Road, and Chinchpolki stations.
Waiting Time: Can be 20 hours or more in the navas line. General line takes around five hours.
When to Visit: It's open around the clock. However, the busiest time is in the evening until midnight.


2. Ganesh Galli Mumbaich Raja 
Lalbaug Sarvajanik Utsav Mandal Ganesh Galli

The Mumbaicha Raja meaning the king of mumbai is located only a couple of lanes away from the Lalbaugcha Raja and is also very popular. It lost its shine to the Lalbaugcha Raja in the late 1990s but still pulls in the crowds.

This mandal is very well known for its wonderful new themes every year, often a replica of a famous place in India. It was formed for the benefit of the mill workers in 1928, making it the oldest one in the area.

Location: Ganesh Galli (Lane), Lalbaug (central Mumbai).
Nearest Railway Station: Chinchpokli, Curry Road, and Lower Parel railway stations are close by.
Waiting Time: Can be as little as 20 minutes, or a few hours.
When to Visit: It's always busy. Peak hours are in the afternoon and night from 3 p.m until 2 a.m. 


3. Khetwadi Ganraj
    Khetwadi 12th lane Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav
    Mandal

The Khetwadi 12th lane Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal has got many of the most spectacular Ganesh idols in Mumbai. This mandal was formed in 1959 but got famous in 2000, when it made the highest Ganesh idol in Indian history, standing 40 feet tall. The idol is decked out in real gold jewelry. One year, it was even studded with real diamonds.

An added attraction when visiting the Khetwadi Ganraj is that there's a Ganesh idol in almost every lane in the area, so one will have plenty of Ganesh idols to see!

Location: 12th Lane Kehetwadi, Girgaum (south Mumbai).
Nearest Railway Station: The nearest stations are Charni Road and Sandhurst Road.
When to Visit: During the day is best. Peak time is in the evenings from dusk to midnight. 

4. GSB Seva Mandal

The GSB Seva Ganesh mandal is affectionately known as Mumbai's gold Ganesh. More than 60 kilograms of gold is used to decorate the idol. This mandal, often stated to be the richest in the city, was founded by the Gowd Saraswat Brahmin community from Karnataka in 1954. They've prospered in Mumbai, and as a mark of respect to the city they conduct various social programs along with a grand celebration of the Ganesh Festival.

The idol is always an Eco-friendly one, made out of clay. The mandal is also distinctive because there's none of the usual recorded music there. Instead, traditional Indian musical instruments used in south Indian temples are played.

Location: G.S.B. Sports Club Ground, Near S.N.D.T. Women's College, R.A. Kidwai Road, King's Circle, Matunga (central Mumbai).
Nearest Railway Station: Kings Circle on the Harbour Line and Matunga on the Central Line.
When to Visit: This Ganesh idol only stays for the first five days of the festival, so see it early. 

5. Andhericha Raja.
    Azad Nagar Sarvajanik Utsav Samitee 

This mandal was formed in 1966 by the workers of the Tobacco company, Tata Special Steel and Excel Industries Ltd, who moved from Lalbaug to be closer to their factories.

Compared to many other famous mandals in Mumbai, the idol isn't as towering or imposing. However, it has a reputation for fulfilling wishes. The mandal also usually has a novel theme and other attractions, which have in the past included sand sculpture and a mela (carnival).

Location: Veera Desai Road, Azad Nagar, Andheri (western Mumbai suburbs).
Nearest Railway Station: Andheri.
When to Visit: Evenings are busiest, however devotees have an extra day to see the God. The idol is the only one in Mumbai to be immersed on Sankashthi Day, which is the day after Anant Chaturdashi (the last day of the festival when large idols are commonly immersed).