NEW DELHI, September 14: Ganesh Chaturthi is being celebrated with religious fervour and colourful festivities across several parts of India today, with devotees welcoming Lord Ganesha into homes and public pandals. Celebrations are particularly prominent in Maharashtra, Goa and southern states, with major temples and Ganesh mandals drawing large crowds.
Mumbai Welcomes Ganpati Bappa
Mumbai remains one of the biggest centres of Ganeshotsav celebrations, with thousands of devotees visiting prominent pandals, including the iconic Lalbaugcha Raja.
The festival has also affected normal schedules in the city, with schools, colleges, banks and financial markets closed for Ganesh Chaturthi. Large gatherings and processions are expected throughout the day.
GSB Mandal Takes ₹703 Crore Insurance Cover
Mumbai’s GSB Seva Mandal has attracted attention this year after taking an insurance cover of around ₹703.27 crore for its Ganeshotsav celebrations.
Its Ganesh idol has been decorated with more than 66 kg of gold and around 335 kg of silver ornaments. The Mandal’s five-day celebration runs from September 14 to September 18 and is expected to attract large numbers of devotees.
Festivities Spread Across Several States
Ganesh Chaturthi is also being observed in Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Goa, where schools and several institutions are closed for the festival.
Families are performing Ganesh sthapana, offering modaks and prayers, while communities have organised cultural programmes and public celebrations.
45-Foot Eco-Friendly Ganesh Idol in Guwahati
Guwahati is witnessing a distinctive celebration this year with a 45-foot eco-friendly Ganesh idol installed in the Fatasil Ambari area.
The installation, organised by the Dr B R Ambedkar Youth Club and Telugu Association, has also been dedicated as a tribute to late singer Zubeen Garg. The seven-day celebration is scheduled to continue until September 20.
Ganeshotsav Begins Today
Ganesh Chaturthi marks the beginning of the annual Ganeshotsav period, during which devotees install idols of Lord Ganesha at homes and public pandals, conduct prayers and organise community events.
The celebrations eventually conclude with Ganesh Visarjan, when idols are immersed in water amid processions and chants of “Ganpati Bappa Morya.” This year, the main Ganesh Chaturthi observance falls on September 14, 2026.
source – Times of India / The Indian Express
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