MUMBAI: Puja rituals are a day-long affair. In GSB Wadala, lunch extends till 5.00 pm as thousands of devotees partake of prasad meals.





Keshavji Naik Chawl, Girgaum




It has been 134 years since Mumbai's first Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav was launched by Keshavji Naik Chawl, Girgaum, in 1893. Secretary Kumar Walekar says, "This year we have combined two distant worlds, the ancient and the futuristic. Our decoration is based on Warli painting while our special lecture will focus on AI (artificial intelligence) and the Seven Habits. We will honour the 125th death anniversary of Swami Vivekananda, coming up in 2027, by organising a quiz contest for children." Residents lead a classic palkhi procession for visarjan on Anant Chaturdashi.



GSB Ram Mandir, Wadala




The historic GSB mandal affiliated to Ram Mandir Wadala is celebrating its 72nd Ganeshotsav. President Anant Pai says, "We started in 1955, and are looking forward to our 75th Ganeshotsav which will be a grand occasion." Pai explains how they have synchronised their puja rituals like Ganhoma, moodapuja and thulabharam to streamline efficiency. Around 2.5-3 lakh devotees arrive each season with 25,000 people partaking of prasad meals every day. The number rises on weekends, Tuesday and Anant Chaturdashi. GSB's grand visarjan yatra is a feast for the eyes.



Shivdi Cha Raja, Sewri




A spectacular theme depicting the lost city of Dwarka has been created to celebrate the mandal's 75th year or Amrit Mahotsav. Lord Krishna's city in Gujarat is believed to have submerged in the ocean after he departed the earth, thus marking the end of Dwapar Yug. Art director Aman Vidhate has prepared the installation 130 ft in length, 65 ft width and 45 ft height, says president Shrikant Jadhav. Advisor Vijay Indulkar says, “We are happy to bring Krishna's legendary Dwarka alive before visitors."



Kalachowki Cha Mahaganpati




Started in 1956, the mandal is celebrating its 71st Ganeshotsav with a beautiful 22 ft idol carved by Siddhesh Dighole, says Aman Dalvi, former general secretary. The theme and decoration is based on the Kolhapur Mahalakshmi temple, says senior representative Pandurang Dabholkar. "A divine temple city inspired by the magnificent architecture of Mahalakshmi mandir has been created within the precincts of Mahaganpati this year. We recently organised a blood donation camp where 500 donors participated. The blood was handed to KEM, Tata and Nair hospitals," says Dalvi.



Natraj Market, Malad




The shoppers' paradise of Natraj Market in Malad (West) transforms into an oasis of devotion during Ganeshotsav. The mandal was instituted in 1974. This season a beautiful 28 ft tall Ganpati in Chandra (moon) avatar lords over the landscape upon a milky crescent. It is ensconced amid soft white clouds floating against a deep sky. Spokesperson Aayush Vaghela says, "Natraj Market mandal completes 53 glorious years with this Siddhesh Dighole masterpiece idol. We will perform Satyanarayan Puja and bhajans on Sept 20."