ALA RE ALA GANPATI ALA

Of all the auspicious and splendid festivals of India, VINAYAK CHATURTHI is the most fascinating. Reason? Because it’s like celebrating all the Indian festivals at the same time. Ganesh Chaturthi is a festival garnered with ‘gulal’—the essence of Holi, ‘diyas’ that validate Diwali as the Festival of Lights and the religious ceremonies that constitute the very roots of any Indian Festival. Ganesha Chaturthi is the most elite exhibition of our unity, prosperity, culture, tradition and vanity. The very essence of the Vinayak festival that marks the birth of the beheaded lord is in the splendour and grandeur of the Idols of Lord Ganesha, sculpted by popular artisans and put to “Sarvajanik Darshan” during the festival. Although every idol is unique in itself, there are a few that hold special significance for the certain characteristics they possess.

The festival of Vinayak Chaturthi is celebrated with much of pomp and splendour in all of Maharashtra, but is a little more special in Mumbai. The Mumbai’s most famous of all Ganpatis is “LALABAUG CHA RAJA” also popularly known as “Navsacha Ganpati” as is believed to be the “wish fulfilling Ganpati”. Over 1.5 million people visit this Ganesh Pandal daily during the 10-day long festival. The Sarvajanik Ganpati Pandal organizes the opening ceremony followed by “Darshan for all”, “Charan Sparsh” and “Mukh Darshan”. The most interesting fact I recently discovered was its famous “Sheesh Mahal Pandal” of 2015 was used as the set of Salman Khan’s popular release “Prem Ratan Dhan Payo”.

Fig (1): LALBAUG CHA RAJA

Another popular Ganpati is “MUMBAICHA RAJA” of Ganesh Gali which is placed in a wonderful Pandal inspired by Gujarati Bajrangbali Temple. The GSB Seva Mandal Ganpati located at the “King Circle” has a clay Ganpati that is worshiped for 5days and is also touted to be the richest of all Ganpatis in the city. They showcase the Ganpati in the most ostentatious way, adorned in gold and silver ornaments. Also, this is the only Pandal in the city where the rituals are performed all day long. The corner of Gali 11 showcases THE KHETWADI’S “MUMBAICHA MAHARAJA” that is yet another popular Ganpatis. And then of course is the “ANDHERICHA RAJA” which is also considered as a wish fulfilling Ganpati, this Ganesh Mandal is also popular because many film stars frequent this Mandal. The list of such auspicious Ganpati showcasing it’s exhilarating spirits and efforts of their respective “Mandal Jan” goes long and far. The CHINCHPOKLI CHA CHINTAMANI GANPATI, KAMATIPURCHA CHINTAMANI GANESH, TULSIWADI CHA MAHARAJA (TARDEO) GANPATI……are also among the most popular and most visited Ganpatis of Mumbai.

Lord Ganesha is the most auspicious of all the deities we worship in India. And his festival is more than endearing than the others. We are excited to be a part of your celebrations. Travel to see Ganeshji anywhere in Maharashtra and use coupon code “GANPATI2016” to get Rs. 200 off. We will have taxis available at Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, Nashik and all the places of choice and look forward to make your ride comfortable and joyous one. Book your Gozo and find out why those who travel Gozo once keep traveling Gozo there onwards.Fig (2) GOZOCABS “GANPATI2016” OFFER

 Enjoy the festival and pay your devotees to THE VIGHNAHARTA. Heartiest of our wishes for all. We wish you prosperity and good fortune this Chaturthi.

                                                    “GANPATI BAPPA MOURYA”