The roads are only half-usable with the other half being lined with bamboo structures called pandals, the nights are peppered with loud sounds of old Hindi Music blaring from cheap amplifier speakers, the evenings are a chaotic amalgamation of various prayers being sung in the glory of God, each one different from the other, each one a different tone from the other, which transmits into a totally different sound any rock star would be proud of, by the time the sounds reach your ears. This more or less epitomizes the Ganpati Festival in Mumbai (Bombay).
These eleven days are the only time Mumbai turns into a different city, yet a most likable city. Lord Ganesha is called the God of new beginnings and people from all parts of India celebrate this festival with a lot of pomp and faith. Mumbai sees an influx of a more than a million people coming from outside to bask in the glory of Ganpati Bappa's blessings and also to view the different decorations by different mandals (Organizations). Each one tries to outdo the other in terms of the decoration especially. Some will have Ganpati Bappa seated on a snake, while some other might have The Lord playing a character from some mythological story and yet some other might even have the Ganpati idol made of gold.
Lokmanya Tilak started this festival in 1893, to defy the British who discouraged public gatherings and social meetings. Also Lokmanya Tilak wanted to dissolve the gap between Brahmins and non-brahmins. From that day till date, this festival has only grown in stature and is now celebrated in almost every city of India.
Just a few things you must keep in mind before venturing out to see the various pandals.
>>Try and avoid taking darshan of the various Ganpatis in the evenings because that is the time there will be a maximum number of crowds.
>>The 2nd, 5th, 7th and the 11th day are the days of immersion. The traffic during these days are chaotic and it is better advised that you do not venture out with your vehicle on these days.
>>At some famous Ganpati organizations, the queues can be serpentine. But there will always be an option where you pay a certain amount of money to get into the shorter line. Mostly this amount is not more than Rupees 50 but it can vary from pandal to pandal.
>>The biggest and famous Ganpatis are immersed at the Girgaum Chowpatti beach. This place has no place to even stand during the immersion day. Throngs of people wait in anticipation to see all the major Ganesh idols as they come in huge processions for the immersion.
>>There are a lot of organizations which have become very famous over the years. The Lalbaugcha Raja is one such mandal which attracts more than a crore rupees of donations every year and probably the longest queues ever seen to get a glimpse of the Raja as Ganeshji is fondly called by this mandal. A must visit Hot Spot during the Ganesh Festival in Mumbai.
>>There are many other famous mandals and then there are a few which are not so famous but are equally interestingly designed. Check around the areas you are residing or staying currently and chances are that you will find a Ganpati pandal just round the corner.
>>Avoid giving money to beggars. Instead buy them something to eat.
Most organizations are registered and have receipt books for donations made. You must make sure that you
get a receipt when you make a donation so that any kind of corruption is discouraged. (Yes, there are people who actually are only thinking of making money in the name of God)Lastly, ask Ganpati Bappa for his abundant blessings and have faith in his powers to bestow upon you every kind of glory, wealth and prosperity. He never fails.
>>Ganesh Links
>>Siddhivinayak Temple in Mumbai
>>Siddhivinayak Temple In Mumbai-Road Map And Directions
Ths is really good info. thankxx...
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