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If there’s one time when Mumbai truly belongs to its streets, it’s Ganesh Chaturthi. The city of dreams swaps its usual rush for chants of Ganpati Bappa Morya, dazzling bright lights, and thousands of incredibly crafted public pandals that transform every corner of the city into a celebration of faith and community.
Ganesh Chaturthi is one of the major festivals in India, when people – especially Mumbaikars – set aside their usual chores and travel from one corner of the city to another, hopping from one iconic pandal to another for Lord Ganesha’s darshan. It's the unmistakable festive energy that makes Mumbai unlike anywhere else.
Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 runs from September 14 to 25, and one of the biggest markers of the festival are the pandals. The devotees will now flock to the oldest and most popular Ganpati pandals in Mumbai to seek blessings, admire the beautifully sculpted idols, and create memories.
Whether it’s your first-ever pandal visit in Mumbai or an annual tradition, the question remains the same: How to do it and where to start? Well, the answer depends on which area you are going to and what kind of experience you’re looking for. You go to the suburbs and find Andheri Cha Raja and Mumbai Cha Peshwa in Vile Parle. Step into SoBo and find Colaba Cha Raja, and find the most exciting crowd at Lalbaug Cha Raja and Mumbai Cha Raja in Ganesh Galli – both in the Parel neighbourhood.
The Ganapati 2026 celebrations also continue with Mumbai’s growing creativity, with many sarvajanik or community mandals embracing innovative themes alongside age-old traditions. So slip into your comfy shoes, pack some modaks, and let the Mumbai Metro and local trains do the heavy lifting. From South Bombay to the suburbs, these are the Ganpati pandals you simply can't miss.
Must-visit Ganpati pandals in Mumbai this Ganesh Chaturthi 2026
Lalbaugcha Raja
If you’re a Mumbaikar, you’re not new to this name. No list of the city’s Ganpati pandals begins anywhere else. Lalbaugcha Raja was established by fishermen and traders in 1934, after their wish for a permanent marketplace in Mumbai was fulfilled – that's also a reason to be called Navsacha Ganpati, since it's believed that devotees’ heartfelt wishes get fulfilled after getting a darshan. Over the years, the 15-foot ideal and glamorous pandal became popular, with millions lining up every year to get a glimpse of one of the city’s most recognisable religious icons.
Where: GD Ambekar Marg, Lalbaug
GSB Seva Mandal
G.S.B. Seva Mandal is one of Mumbai’s richest Ganpati idols, founded by the Goud Saraswat Brahmin community. The Mahaganapati idol is adorned with over 60 kilograms of silver and gold ornaments, while the devotional music and elaborate Vedic rituals lend the celebrations a deeply spiritual atmosphere. Unlike most of the Ganpati mandals, this idol is immersed on the fifth day of Ganesh Chaturthi.
Where: Shree Sukriteendra Nagar, King’s Circle
Andhericha Raja
This Ganpati is also known as the king of western suburbs, established in 1966 by blue-collar workers who migrated from Lalbaug to Andheri. Beyond the well-sculpted and beautifully decorated idol, Andhericha Raja is renowned for having one of Mumbai’s longest visarjan processes – which takes place on Sankastha Chaturthi, five days after Anant Chaturdashi (the 11th day of Ganpati celebrations).
Where: Azad Nagar, Andheri
Mumbaicha Raja
Older than Lalbaugcha Raja, the beloved Mumbaicha Raja in Ganesh Galli was founded in 1928 by Lalbaug Sarvajanik Utsav Mandal. Devotees queue up to witness the magnificent pandals recreating India’s most celebrated temples and heritage sites. The 22-foot idol tradition of this Ganapati pandal – introduced in 1977 – also helped popularise giant Ganesh idols across the city. It's also famous for having the world’s largest 24-karat gold necklace at a height of 12 feet and weighing 5.5 kilograms!
Where: Ganesh Galli, Lalbaug
Khetwadicha Ganraj
Khetwadicha Ganraj in Khetwadi, Girgaon, was founded in 1959, and it became a sensation for creating the tallest Ganpati idol in Mumbai. The sarvajanik mandal made history with making heights in the year 2000 with a 40-foot idol. It was the tallest idol during Ganeshotsav. Each year, the idol appears in a new mythological avatar, making this one of the city’s most anticipated reveals.
Where: Khetwadi 12th Lane, Girgaon, Charni Road
Mumbaicha Peshwa
Mumbaicha Peshwa was founded in 1989 and became synonymous with regal Maratha-inspired celebrations. Since 2008, this mandal has been making the Ganapati idol out of paper, which makes it the first paper idol mandal in Mumbai. A relatively younger addition to the city’s iconic mandals, the towering eco-friendly idol and elaborate decor make this one of the biggest attractions in the western suburbs.
Where: Vile Parle East
Colabacha Samrat
Colaba cha Samrat is one of the oldest neighbourhood Ganpatis in South Mumbai, welcoming devotees since 1993. This year, the Ganpati idol is covered with striking dark Rudraksha beads, symbolising Lord Shiva’s divine connection with his son Lord Ganesha. Located at a walkable distance from the Gateway of India, this pandal could be on your go-to list.
Where: 2nd Pasta Lane, Shahid Bhagat Singh Rd, Colaba
Fortcha Raja, Fort
Amid the Fort’s colonial architecture and Art Deco buildings, this heritage mandal has been celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi since 1962. Fortcha Raja – also called Icchapurti Ganapti – unveils intricately designed artistic pandals inspired by history, architecture, and Indian culture every year, making it one of the favourite pandals in Mumbai.
Where: Icchapurti Ganesh Chowk, Dr. Sunderlal Bahal Path, near GPO and Kabutar Khana, Fort
Girgaoncha Raja, Charni Road
Girgaoncha Raja is one of the oldest Sarvajanik Ganpatis in South Mumbai, and it has been welcoming devotees for darshan since 1928. This mandal celebrated Ganesh Chaturthi with its impressive 20-foot eco-friendly shadu clay idol, crowned with its signature Rajwadi pheta (a traditional Indian turban). The mandal aims to maintain sustainability and hold grand celebrations while being environmentally conscious.
Where: Nikadwari Lane, Charni Road