Mumbai's Ganesh Chaturthi 2025: Discover the Top 10 Legendary Pandals

Ganesh Chaturthi is a fantastic 10-day festival that completely transforms Mumbai into a city brimming with joy, devotion, and a wonderful sense of community. The city comes alive with temporary shrines, known as pandals, and a deeply spiritual atmosphere that's simply infectious. This year, Ganesh Chaturthi begins on August 27, 2025, and ends with the final immersion ceremony, or 'visarjan', on September 6, 2025.

If you're planning to experience this amazing festival, getting a glimpse of the best pandals is an absolute must. To help you on your way, here’s a guide to some of the most popular places to celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi in Mumbai, complete with some handy visitor information.

10 Best Places to Celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi in Mumbai

1. Lalbaugcha Raja, Lalbaug, Parel

Image credit: The Quint

Without a doubt the most famous and worshipped Ganesha idol in Mumbai, Lalbaugcha Raja is famous for its colossal size, beautiful adornments, and its perceived ability to grant wishes. Tens of millions of followers wait for hours, and even days, to catch a glimpse of this cult Bappa. The grandeur of the idol and the intensity of the crowds combine to create an unforgettable experience.

• How to Reach: The nearest railway stations are Chinchpokli on the Central Line and Lower Parel on the Western Line. From station, you can either take a local taxi or walk. Given the crowd, walking might be the best option.

• Darshan Timings: For this year's festival, the idol will be open for darshan from August 26 to September 5. Devotees can choose between Mukh Darshan (face view) and Charan Sparsha Darshan (touching the feet). The darshan is open 24 hours a day during the festival.

• Visarjan Details: The immersion procession for Lalbaugcha Raja is one of the most famous in Mumbai. It begins on Anant Chaturdashi (September 6, 2025) and with the final immersion at Girgaon Chowpatty.

Also Read: Ganesh Chaturthi Travel Destinations in Maharashtra Beyond Mumbai

2. GSB Seva Mandal, King's Circle, Matunga

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Literally called "richest Ganpati" of Mumbai, the GSB Seva Mandal is famous for its environment-friendly clay idol covered with kilograms of actual gold and silver ornaments. This pandal focuses on traditional rituals and cultural performances, providing a stunning visual treat and strongly spiritual environment.

• How to Reach: The pandal is located in King's Circle, Matunga. The nearest railway station is Matunga on the Central Line. From there, you can take a local bus or walk.

• Darshan Timings: The GSB Seva Mandal Ganpati is typically kept for a shorter period, usually five days. Darshan is generally available throughout the day and night during this time.

• Visarjan Details: GSB Seva Mandal often uses an eco-friendly immersion process. The visarjan takes place at Dadar Beach or in an artificial pond. This year, GSB Seva Mandal Ganpati Visarjan is on September 1, 2025.

3. Mumbaicha Raja, Ganesh Galli, Lalbaug

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Dedicated to Lord Ganesh, Mumbaicha Raja in Ganesh Galli is an ancient and historically important pandal located just a short distance from Lalbaugcha Raja. It's renowned for its original and creative themes every year, usually recreating well-known temples or mythological scenes, combining tradition with artistic creativity.

• How to Reach: The nearest railway stations are Chinchpokli on the Central Line and Lower Parel on the Western Line. The pandal is a short walk from Lalbaugcha Raja.

• Darshan Timings: Darshan is generally available from early morning to late evening.

• Visarjan Details: The visarjan procession for Mumbaicha Raja is also a sight to behold. The idol is immersed at Girgaon Chowpatty on Anant Chaturdashi (September 6, 2025).

4. Khetwadicha Ganraj, Khetwadi

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Khetwadi is one of the neighborhoods that has several dazzling Ganesh idols, but the Khetwadicha Ganraj is particularly noticed for its unusually tall and beautifully crafted idols. This pandal has consistently featured some of the tallest Ganesha statues in the history of Mumbai, which have been renowned for their artistic skill and festive ambiance. Walking down the streets of Khetwadi shows a plethora of one-of-a-kind idols.

• How to Reach: The nearest railway stations are Charni Road or Grant Road on the Western Line. A short taxi ride from station will get you there.

• Darshan Timings: Darshan is usually open all day, but be prepared for crowds, especially in the evenings.

• Visarjan Details: The idol of Khetwadicha Ganraj is immersed at Dadar Beach on Anant Chaturdashi (September 6, 2025).

5. Siddhivinayak Temple, Prabhadevi

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Though a permanent temple solely for Lord Ganesha, the Siddhivinayak Temple acquires an even deeper meaning during Ganesh Chaturthi. The temple gets fully adorned, and the festive rituals and prayers bring an enormous crowd of devotees. A must-visit for its spiritual potency and the ever-flowing devotion.

• How to Reach: The nearest local train station is Prabhadevi (formerly Elphinstone Road) on the Western Line. The temple is also easily accessible by bus and taxi.

• Darshan Timings: The temple has specific darshan timings, which are often extended during Ganesh Chaturthi. It’s highly recommended to check their official website for the special festival schedule.

• Visarjan Details: As this is a permanent temple, there is no idol immersion.

6. Andhericha Raja, Andheri

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The "King of Andheri" is a popular choice for suburban Mumbai, known for its consistent and elaborate themes each year. Unlike some other pandals, Andhericha Raja often maintains a specific theme throughout the celebration, attracting a significant number of devotees, including celebrities. It's a great spot to witness creative displays and community fervor.

• How to Reach: The pandal is a short auto-rickshaw ride from Andheri Station or the Azad Nagar Metro Station.

• Darshan Timings: Darshan is open from early morning to late at night. You can check their social media pages for updates on celebrity visits and special aarti timings.

• Visarjan Details: A unique aspect of Andhericha Raja is that its visarjan takes place a few days after Anant Chaturdashi. The procession is routed through the Andheri area and the idol is immersed at Versova Beach.

7. Chinchpoklicha Chintamani, Chinchpokli

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Dating back to one of the earliest Ganesh pandals in South Mumbai, Chinchpoklicha Chintamani is renowned for its fusion of traditional and modern-day themes. Situated close to Lalbaugcha Raja, it's a vibrant center of activity that comes alive with thousands of faithful followers participating in the processions and festivities.

• How to Reach: The nearest local train station is Chinchpokli on the Central Line. The pandal is a short walk from the station.

• Darshan Timings: The pandal is usually open for darshan throughout the day. The evenings are particularly lively.

• Visarjan Details: Chinchpoklicha Chintamani’s procession is renowned. The idol is immersed at Girgaon Chowpatty on Anant Chaturdashi (September 6, 2025).

8. Girgaoncha Raja, Girgaon

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Girgaoncha Raja is an important part of Mumbai's Ganesh Chaturthi, famous for its beautiful idol and traditional appeal. Dongricha Raja pandal is renowned for its artistic simplicity and the devotional environment it creates, pulling in a dedicated crowd of devotees in the Dongri locality.

• How to Reach: The nearest local train station is Charni Road on the Western Line. From there, you can take a taxi or a local bus.

• Darshan Timings: Darshan is typically available throughout the day.

• Visarjan Details: Unsurprisingly, the Girgaoncha Raja is immersed at Girgaon Chowpatty on Anant Chaturdashi (September 6, 2025).

9. Dongricha Raja, Dongri

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Situated in South Mumbai, Dongricha Raja attracts attention due to its colorful ornamentation and religious environment. Although relatively smaller in volume compared to some of the other large pandals, it has a strong sense of devotion and provides a peaceful experience.

• How to Reach: The pandal is accessible from the Sandhurst Road or Masjid Bunder stations on the Harbor Line.

• Darshan Timings: The pandal generally has open darshan timings.

• Visarjan Details: The idol's immersion takes place on Anant Chaturdashi (September 6, 2025) at a local immersion point. The specific location may vary, so it's best to check with local volunteers.

10. Kalachowki Mahaganpati, Kalachowki

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The Kalachowki Sarvajanik Utsav Mandal, or the Kalachowki Mahaganpati as it is more commonly referred to, is a very well-known figure in Mumbai's Ganesh Utsav. Famed for its grand festivities and large idol, it draws huge crowds and is a major center of devotion and celebration in central Mumbai.

• How to Reach: The nearest railway station is Cotton Green on the Harbor Line. The pandal is a short taxi ride or a brisk walk away.

• Darshan Timings: Darshan is usually open from early morning until late at night.

• Visarjan Details: The visarjan procession for the Kalachowki Mahaganpati takes place on Anant Chaturdashi (September 6, 2025) and the idol is immersed at Girgaon Chowpatty.

Tips for Tourists Celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi in Mumbai (2025)

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Ganesh Chaturthi is a fantastic experience, but overwhelming as a result of the crowds. Follow these important tips for a hassle-free and enjoyable visit:

• Be Prepared for Crowds: Masses of people and long queues are to be expected, particularly at famous pandals.

• Check Timings: Double-check certain darshan and aarti timings for pandals you are visiting.

• Dress Comfortably: You'll be walking a lot.

• Keep Yourself Hydrated: Bring water and light refreshments.

• Travel by Public Transport: Local trains and the Metro are the best means of getting through traffic restrictions.

• Safety First: Take care, keep valuables safe, and obey volunteer guidelines.

• Photographic Etiquette: Take pictures decently, without flash during aarti.

• Experience Visarjan: Waking up to the grand immersion on Anant Chaturdashi is a highlight.

• Dress Modestly: Respect local traditions while visiting religious shrines.

Festive celebrations of Ganesh Chaturthi in Mumbai are an experience that cuts across religious fervor and pulsating cultural activities. All these places have something special to offer about this magnificent festival, and hence it becomes an irrevocable exploration into the core of the devotion of Mumbai.