Ganesh Chaturthi, also known as Vinayak Chaturthi is one of the most popular Hindu festivals and is celebrated all over India in the Hindu month of Bhadra (which generally falls between August and September). This colourful festival marks the birthday of the Elephant Headed God, Lord Ganesh. Let us look at the best places to celebrate the festival of Ganesh Chaturthi in India.
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What Is The Story Of Ganesh Chaturthi Utsav
There are many versions that tells the birth of Lord Ganesha, the most popular among them being the one where Shiva beheads Parvati’s son. Goddess Parvati, the wife of Lord Shiva created an idol out of the sandalwood which she used for her bath and then breathed life into it. She named the little boy Ganesha and instructed him to guard the entrance while she bathed. However on the arrival of Lord Shiva, Ganesha prevented him from entering as per the instructions of his mother.
In a fit of rage, Lord Shiva pulled out his sword and beheaded Ganesha. Seeing Parvathi devastated by the loss of her son, Lord Shiva vowed to bring Ganesha back to life. He sent his disciples to bring back the head of the first alive creature to replace it on Lord Ganesha’s body. The disciples returned with the head of an infant elephant to bring Ganesha back to life. And that’s how Lord Ganesha, the protector was born with the head of an elephant and body of a human.
Where To Celebrate The Festival Of Ganesh Chaturthi In India
Here’s a list of some of the best places in India where one can experience the essence of the festival to its fullest.
Mumbai
The passion and excitement of Ganesh Chaturthi are as quintessentially Mumbai as Bollywood. With the sounds of beating dhols and chants of Ganpati Bappa Morya echoing across the entire city, the Ganesh Utsav celebration here remains completely unmatched. This larger-than-life spectacle has pandals across Mumbai to thematically represent the current social issues that the city faces through tableaux, paintings and decorations. Don’t miss the famous pandals while you are visiting Mumbai during this festival! These are Lalbaugcha Raja, Mumbaicha Raja, Goud Saraswat Brahmin (GSB) and the Siddivinayak Temple.
Pune
While Mumbai is quite famous for its Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations, Pune isn’t too far behind. The city celebrates the festival of Ganesh Chaturthi Vinayaka Chaturthi with pomp and gaiety. Starting with the establishment of idols of Lord Ganesha on the first day to the immersion on the tenth day, the celebration takes place in the grandest of manners. Some of the most un-missable Ganesh idols in the city are going to be at Kasba Ganpati, Tambdi Jogeshwari Ganpati, Guruji Talim, Tulsi Baug Ganpati and the Kesariwada Ganpati at Kesariwada.
Hyderabad
Another Indian Destination that is famous for a grand Ganesh Chaturthi celebration is Hyderabad. The Ganapathi Navaratri utsavams here start on Vinayaka Chavithi (Ganesh Chaturthi) and end on Ananta Chaturdashi day with idol immersion. Devotees immerse the idols of Lord Ganesh on the last day of the festival in the Hussain Sagar Lake. Hosting nearly 75,000+ Ganesh pandals in honour of Lord Ganesh throughout the city, Hyderabad also has one of the largest Ganesh idols in the country. Standing at an imposing 61 feet (this year) this Ganesh idol is set up at Khairtabad. Other famous stop-overs where Ganesha idols are established and decorated fascinatingly are Balapur, Kamalanagar Chaitanyapuri, Durgam Cheruvu, Old City (Gowlipura) and New Nagole.
Also Read: What Really Is The Environmental Impact Of Ganesh Chaturthi?
Ganpatipule
Located in Ratnagiri district on the Konkan coast of Maharashtra, Ganapatipule is a small town that is known to have one of the most famous pilgrimage centres: The Swayambhu Ganapati Temple. This 400-year-old temple becomes the centre of grand activity for the five-day celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi when villagers and pilgrims join actively in a procession honouring Lord Ganesha. A taller idol of Lord Ganesha is placed in an ornate palanquin and is carried on the shoulders of the devotees through the village. While the festival is marked by vibrant celebrations, prayers and feasting, the celebrations are incomplete without a circumambulation around the hill behind the temple shaped like Ganapati’s face.
Goa
Renowned for its beaches, Goa also has a religious side that cannot be ignored! The Ganesh Utsav holds a special place in the hearts of the Goan people. The smallest state of India has many religious cities and villages that worship the Lord, especially Mapusa, which is famous for its temples at Ganeshpuri and Khorlim. There are also various idols of Lord Ganesh in different shapes and sizes well adorned and installed in heavily decorated pandals by various merchant associations and other groups in different parts of Goa.
Kolkata
Durga Puja is the most famous festival in Kolkata, however the festival of Ganesh Chaturthi is also celebrated with great pomp and show here. Just like the grand pandals of the Durga Puja, the pandals for Ganesh festival are unique and artistic. One can see the blend of Bengali traditions and Maharashtrian touch in the pandals with innovative idols alongside traditional decors. The vibrancy and enthusiasm of the devotees are unmissable. Get ready for a culturally rich experience if you are planning to celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi in Kolkata.
Bangalore
Despite the rapid modernisation and the urban social culture creeping in, Bangalore still holds onto its cultural and traditional roots. The Bengaluru Ganesh Utsava, organised by Shree Vidyaranya Yuvaka Sangha at the APS College Grounds, Basavanagudi, upholds the rich tradition of India’s culture and heritage. Held every year for close to 5 decades, this major cultural extravaganza of South Bangalore has magnificent presentations of music, dance, drama and art by some of the finest artists of the country. Other popular places to visit are Panchamukha Heramba Ganapati Temple, Shri Jambu Ganapati Temple and Ananth Nagar Ganapati Temple. Do not forget to catch the Ganesh Chaturthi visarjan rituals at Sankey Tank and Ulsoor Lake.
Click Here To Create An Eco Friendly Clay Ganesha.
So what are you waiting for? Witness the best of Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations at the places mentioned above and let us know about your experiences below! Ganpati Bappa Morya!
FAQs
Lord Ganesha is widely recognized as the god of new beginnings, wisdom and knowledge. He is also a symbol of humility, compassion, unity and inclusiveness.
Celebrations includes placing of clay idols at homes, offices, and public places. On the last day of the festival these idols are immersed in water after a grand procession. Some believe that by doing so it helps remove obstacles from the house. It also represents the circle of life where Lord Ganesha goes back to his celestial abode to come back next year.
The 11 days festivities symbolizes the continuous cycle of life, death, and rebirth. The first day is the arrival of Ganesha with installation of idols at homes and public places. The next few days are to bless his devotees by taking away various obstacles with him while going back to his heavenly abode. The last day marks his journey back to his mother Parvathi.
