Ganesh Chaturthi In Mumbai: The Ultimate Guide For A Spectacular Celebration

Let’s skip straight to the important dates for Ganesh Visarjan 2024, including the dry days and holidays!

7 September and 17 September are when you can expect to get turned away from bars because of Ganesh Chaturthi and Anant Chaturdashi.

8 September is the one-and-a-half-day immersion

9 September is the three-day Visarjan

11 September is the five-day Visarjan

13 September is the seven-day Visarjan

17 September is the all-important 10th day of Visarjan

17 September is Anant Chaturdashi

What do all these dates mean? These are the days that will be the worst for traffic, especially for those looking to enjoy a quiet moment at home or concentrate at the office. We say be ready with noise-cancelling headphones, especially Anant Chaturdashi—this is the festival's biggest day, and you can expect millions of people on the streets.

Ganesh Chaturthi (Pooja Muhurrat): 11:03 AM to 1:34 PM

Lalbaugcha Raja is the biggest Ganesh pandal in town. This procession will begin on the last day of the festival and wind its way to the following points: Lalbaug, Bharat Mata Theatre, Lalbaug, Sane Guruji Marg, Byculla Railway Station, Clare Road, Nagpada, Dunkan Road, Don Taki, Sant Sena Maharaj Marg, Suthar Gully, Madhav Baug, C.P. Tank, V.P. Road, Opera House and Girgaon Chowpatti. If you plan to visit, be prepared to stand for more than five hours for blessings.

How to Reach: Get down at Lower Parel, Curry Road, or Cotton Green station and take a taxi to reach here. If you are driving, just cruise down the Eastern Express Highway for a smooth ride.

Entry Fee: Free

Best Time to Visit: 5 AM to 1 PM and 8 PM to 10 PM

Aarti Timing: 12:30 PM and 8 PM

Pro-Tip: You’ll need a VIP pass to attend the aarti, which you can get by signing up on their official website.

Mumbaicha Raja is well-known for its creative decorations, mostly based on the themes of temples or historical monuments across India. This immersion will start on the last day of the festival and cover the following points: Dr. S.S. Rao Road, Ganesh Cinema, Chinchpokli Bridge, Arthur Road Corner, Saat Rasta, Sane Guruji Marg, Agreepada, Dr. Bhadkamkar Marg, Opera House, Willson College, and Girgaon Chowpatty. Devotees or interested folk can expect a waiting time of two to three hours, and peak times continue from 3 PM to 2 AM.

How to Reach: Hop off at the Currey Road station, from where you can walk to the pandal, just 600 m away.

Best Time To Visit: Any time of the day

Entry Fee: Free

LBB Tip: Usually, entry in half pants and short skirts is not allowed and is looked down upon, so we suggest dressing appropriately for the occasion.

This Ganesh idol is only present for the first half of the festivities, so go check it out early. Famous for its lavish presentation with real gold and silver ornaments, be prepared to be dazzled by the decorations and grandeur of this pandal. You can even drop by the food stalls, which are open in the evenings, for some tasty Maharashtrian snacks.

How to Reach: Get off at the Kings Circle station and walk for 10 minutes to reach here.

Best Time To Visit: 6 AM to 11 PM

Entry Fee: Free

LBB Tip: Many places around the pandal may not accept cards, so it is handy to have some cash.

‘Burbies, don’t feel left out of the action. Andhericha Raja covers the following points: Azad Nagar II, Veera Desai Road, J P Road Amboli, S V Road, Andheri Market, Navrang Cinema, Sony Mony, Apna Bazar, Indian Oil Nagar Junction, Four Bungalows, Seven Bungalows, Versova Bus Depot, and finally to Versova village. Evenings can be very busy. Expect a tall Ganesha idol with an innovative theme and beautiful lighting. The immersion procession is on Sankashti Day. This is the only idol to be immersed on this day, five days after Anant Chaturdashi. 

How to Reach: Get off at the Azad Nagar Subway Station and take an auto to reach here.

Entry Fee: Fee

Best Time To Visit: 5 AM to 12 PM

Pro-Tip: You can even do live darshan on this page in case you cannot visit the pandal.

Khetwadi Ganraj is possibly one of the oldest pandals in the city. Established in 1959 by the 12th Khetwadi S.G.M., this pandal also hosts a variety of religious performances and cultural programs during the duration of the Ganesh festival. One of the most active neighbourhoods when it comes to the festival, neighbouring societies also host their own idols that you can check out while you're here.

How to Reach: Get off at Charni Road or Grant Road station. From there, it is a short taxi ride of around 10 minutes to the temple.

Entry Fee: Free

Best Time to Visit: During the day

Pro-Tip: Watch bappa live here.

Known as Chintamani, the wish-fulfilling jewel, this pandal is not just about stunning decorations and a lifelike murti, though, trust us, those alone will leave you speechless. What makes this place truly special is the crowd of devotees with tears in their eyes, dancing in the frenzy of Bappa. This pandal is also associated with social service and devotes over 60% of the money collected to the cause. 

How to Reach: Get down at the Chinchpokli railway station or take the Eastern Express Highway if travelling by your car. 

Entry Fee: Free

Best Time to Visit: Any time of the day

Aarti Timing: During the evening

LBB Tip: Wear comfortable shoes and clothes because you are in for a lively crowd experience.

Gracing Mumbai with his presence since 1928, Girgaon Cha Raja is the grandest and most beloved eco-friendly Bappa. This iconic pandal draws its inspiration from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Lokmanya Tilak, and Swatantrya Veer Savarkar. Every moment here is infused with a deep sense of national pride, social harmony, and an unwavering devotion to Lord Ganesha. It is an experience that will tug at your heartstrings and leave you feeling deeply connected to divinity.

How to Reach: Get down at the Charni Road station and walk for about 10 mins to reach here.

Entry Fee: Free

Best Time to Visit: Any time of the day

The Fort Vibhag Ganesh Utsav Pandal is a must-visit during Ganesh Chaturthi. They mix traditional vibes with Mumbai’s rich history, and their pandal designs are jaw-dropping, giving you a fun throwback to the past. What’s even better? Their celebrations are all about bringing people together and celebrating unity. It is the kind of place where you instantly feel a part of something amazing and unforgettable. 

How to Reach: Take a local train to CST and walk towards the pandal, which is just 350 m away.

Entry Fee: Free

Best Time to Visit: 7 AM to 12 PM