State opens its heart, hearth for Lord Ganesha

Mumbai: Maharashtra is all set for an unprecedented scale of pomp and glory at the 2025 Ganeshotsav celebrations as the state government has proclaimed the 11-day fest as a ‘Rajya Mahotsav’ (State Festival), now in its 133^rd year.

This year, the glittering Ganeshotsav extravaganza will span 11 days – from Aug. 27 to Sep. 6 – and the city plus other celebration hubs like Pune, Konkan are expected to witness a boom in devotees, domestic and foreign tourists, culture buffs and the commoners who would join in wholeheartedly.

Marking a first in the efforts, the Maharashtra Tourism Department, in tandem with the Maharashtra Tour Guides and Tourist Facilitators Association (MTGTFA) and the Tour Guides Association (TGA), will conduct special guided Ganeshotsav tours.

These curated “pandal-hopping” experiences will cover five of Mumbai’s most iconic Ganesh mandals, offering visitors both cultural insight and an organized avenue to explore the city’s festive spirit during what ranks as the biggest public festival of Maharashtra transcending religious boundaries in which people – irrespective of religion/caste – participate enthusiastically.

Starting August 28 to September 3, the two daily tours will kick-off at 9:30 a.m. and 11:20 a.m. from the Fort-cha Icchapurti Ganesha marquee, opposite the GPO, near Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus.

The excursions come at a cost – Rs. 1,441 for Indians and Rs. 1,963 for foreigners - but the confident organisers promise absolute VFM.

“These tours will not only showcase the artistry and devotion behind each of the selected pandals but also give visitors a sense of Mumbai’s awesome living heritage,” said an official spokesperson on the venture.

In a philatelic boost to the cultural revelry, the Maharashtra Postal Circle’s Chief Postmaster General Amitabh Singh released a special set of four picture postcards and a unique cancellation for Ganeshotsav fest, at the famed Lalbaugcha Ganesh’s ‘Pratham Darshan’ in the marquee late on Sunday.

Flanked by Assistant Postmaster General Dr. Sudhir Jahkere, Lalbaugcha Raja Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal Chairman Babasaheb S. Kamble, Secretary Sudhir S. Salvi, philatelist Ashiwini Manjure, Singh unveiled the post-cards, themed “Ganesh Utsav: Cultural Heritage of Maharashtra,” designed by Padmashi laureate and calligrapher Achyut Palav.

“Though Ganeshotsav is already known world over, the ‘Rajya Mahotsav’ status has given the festival an elevated stature at the international arena that showcases not just a religious celebration but showcases Maharashtra’s rich cultural heritage globally,” commented BrihanMumbai Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Samanvay Samiti President Naresh Dahibhavkar.

In the run-up to Ganeshotsav, Mumbai has transformed into a dazzling carnival of twinkling lights, grandly adorned pandals, and freshly spruced-up streets and bylanes in the past few days — all prepared to welcome devotees, tourists, and citizens alike for the 11-day celebration beginning August 27.

A festival with global resonance

Mumbai is fully geared to soak in the festive spirit of Ganeshotsav 2025 with richly decorated pandals, thematic presentations with ‘Operation Sindoor’ being a favourite, cultural programs, and now guided tours.

The two daily trips will take the participants on an exciting journey to these legendary marquees.

1. Fortcha Icchapurti Ganesh – This year’s theme recreates the grandeur of the Somnath Temple.

2.    Keshavji Naik Chawl, Girgaum – Where it all started, the birthplace of Ganeshotsav in Mumbai in 1893, taking inspiration from Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak’s small fest in Pune.

3. Mumbai-cha Raja, at Ganesh Galli, Lalbaug: Ranks among the oldest and houses one of the tallest Ganesh idols.

4. Chinchpokli-cha Chintamani – A beloved pandal that has bagged numerous awards for its creativity and devotion. 

5. (A) GSB Seva Mandal, King’s Circle – The state’s ‘richie-rich’ Ganpati, with the idol, decorated with gold, silver, diamonds and other precious stones and metals, along with the marquee where it is installed, insured for a staggering Rs 474.46 crore this year.

(B) GSB Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav, Wadala – Another popular draw for devotees and tourists alike for its unique idols.