Pandal is a word derived from ‘Pandhal’ which is a strong fabricated structure which may be permanent or temporary in religious galas like wedding. In Hindu religion, this pandal has been designed as temporary structure to deliver pooja to God Ganesha at the time of Ganesh Chathurthi or to Goddess Durga during Durga Puja in Navratras. These pandals are known as Puja Pandals.

Luxuriously decorated pandals also referred as Dekhavas carry huge idols of lord Ganesha for about 8 to 10 days. These pandals are arranged by specific Mandals who work together for the entire locality. Several Mandals chant Ganesh slogan as ‘Ganpati Bappa Morya’ at huge processions during initial days and also at the time of immersion of Ganesha idols all over the city. This Great Ganesh Festival gala is witnessed by people from all parts of the city and also from nearby towns. Crores of money is spent on decorating this Pandal.

Ganesh Chaturthi was the day when the cute little Ganesha came to this world and has been celebrated lavishly all over India. Ganesh Chaturthi festival is worth watching in Maharashtra as the entire state is lined with luxuriously decorated Ganesh Pandals at the time of this festival. Along with Maharashtra, all other states in India celebrate this Ganesh Chaturthi festival in a grand manner. More than ten thousand beautifully decorated Ganesh Pandals will adorn in each and every corner and all the houses are beautifully embellished with ornaments, festoons and flowers and also people dress at their best to welcome Ganesha.

Preparation for Ganesh Chaturthi begins very well in advance in order to make sure that everything is accomplished at correct time. Especially in Maharashtra, all the preparations and embellishments are carried out in a large scale to celebrate this festival. Lord Ganesha is duplicated as earthy idols which are then decorated with flower garlands, clothes and amazing ornaments. These duplicate Ganesha is generally prepared from Plaster of Paris (POP) and then painted with beautiful and attractive colors. Apart from idols, the Ganesh Pandals are also decorated gorgeously with mesmerizing lights and beautiful flowers.

Ganesh Ji And Vibrant Pandals

On the auspicious day of Ganesh Chaturthi, the idol of Ganesh will get installed on this decorated Pandals followed by series of Poojas. Nagaras, hyms and drumbeats echo surrounds the adorable deity blowing a sense of joy, ecstasy and also devotion throughout the entire city. There is strong belief among the devotees that this day is the ideal day to acquire Ganesha’s grace and blessings. Ganesh is also offered modak and ladoos which is known to be his favorite food. Devotees dance to the hymns of the priest and enjoy this occasion to their maximum. The Ganesh Pandals are usually over crowded as devotees from all parts of city throng to get his blessings. That is the reason, Ganesh Chaturthi festival is otherwise referred as community festival. Mumbaikars welcome their beloved Lord Ganesh with countless spirit during this festival.

As a part of their plans for Lord Ganesh Chaturthi Pandals in the Mumbai city, the Lalbaugcha Raja Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal has announced to set up air coolers and also tents to enhance the comfort of fellow devotees who throng for darshan during the 10 days of Ganesh Chaturthi.

Most of the pandals get decorated based on current hot topic like Malaria, Swine Flu and many more. Prominent pandal organizing committee like Andhericha Raja Sarvajanik Committee has planned to design Ganesh Idol in sand as they are eco friendly for immersing in water. There will also be campaigns stressing strictly to ‘No smoking cigarette’ in Pandals and also on ‘Go Green’ in the Ganesh Chaturthi Pandals Mumbai.

Tourists Information

Mumbai is a must see location in Maharashtra at the time of Ganesh Chaturthi. One should visit renowned Ganesh Pandals in Mumbai like Thakurdwar, CST and Chinchpokli that had attained its popularity over years. It is must to visit the prominent Siddhivinayak temple especially during morning or for aarti in the evening. If one is worried to know about the birth place of all these vibrant and gigantic idols, they should reach Parel, the place where world famous sculptor Vijay Khatu’s workplace is located. The artist is known for his outstanding idols made of clay. The major highlight of this festival is the festival culmination on 11th day. One should make their presence at Girgaum Chowpathy where massive crowd throng to watch the immersion of this gigantic idols into the sea.