If you ask anyone who is unexposed to Indian culture to name a Hindu God, the answer most probably would be the Elephant-headed God of wisdom. Lord Ganesha is worshipped by people of all sects across the religion. So it goes without saying how big a celebration thrown in his honour would be. The 10-day long fiesta known as Ganesh Chaturthi throws the bustling Indian cities and crowd into a state of frenzy. From the traditional household pujas to the pandals (marquees) that are set up to house the huge idols extravagantly coloured and adorned in jewels, this festival brings people of all ethnicity or background irrespective of religion.
In fact, this is also one of the few times in the year when every store you can think of is running a grand offer. Don’t forget to check out GrabOn’s Ganesh Chaturthi page where we have painstakingly put together the best offers from all around the internet.
The festival of Ganesh Chaturthi commemorates the birth of Lord Ganesha. It falls on the fourth day of waxing moon period every year. The festival is celebrated for 10 days across the country. The last day called Anant Chaturdashi marks the immersion of the Ganesh idol which takes place with utmost amusement and excitement.
On this occasion of Vinayagar Chaturthi, we bring you a list of must visit places during Ganesh Chaturthi. Places you wouldn’t want to miss out on!
List of Top 15 Places to Celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi
As we all know, Ganesh Chaturthi will be on 2024. It will be in full-swing, and the employees can celebrate the festival with utmost joy due to the long weekend. If you are a travel freak and love visiting holy places, this article is for you. We have curated the list of the top 15 Ganesh Chaturthi destinations that one must experience during the festive days. Have a glimpse:
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- Mumbai
- Pune
- Goa
- Bangalore
- Hyderabad
- Ganpatipule
- Delhi
- Kanipakam
- Chennai
- Hubli
- Thiruvananthapuram
- Diveagar
- Nasik
- Mysore
- Vadodara
1. Mumbai
First on the list of must visit places during Ganesh Chaturthi is the city that never sleeps – Mumbai.
Ganesh Chaturthi is as quintessentially Mumbai as is Bollywood. The famous Siddhivinayak Temple is the place to be. If it’s not on your list of Holy Shrines To Visit This Ganesh Chaturthi, then add it already! Mumbai Ganesha Chaturthi celebrations are the very definition of ‘larger than life’. Lalbaugcha Raja and Goud Saraswat Brahmin (GSB) Mandal are two of the most lavish, extravagant and expensive idols across the city. Among others that need to be mentioned are Khetwadi Ganraj, Mumbaicha Raja and Chinchpokli Chintamani. Dhol-tasha, colours, crowd and unrestrained fun make the visarjan scene so heartfelt, genuine and emotional. The next time you’re there, get down on the streets and loose yourself to the maddening beats. As they say when in Mumbai, party like a Mumbaikar.
2. Pune
When Mumbai is on the list how can Pune be left behind?
Being the presiding deity of Pune, Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated in the grandest of manners. The community-wide Ganesh Festival or Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav originated in Pune under the tutelage of Lokmanya Tilak. One of the most culturally significant and the go to place for all Punekars is Dagduseth Halwai Ganpati Temple. Other must visit destinations during Ganesh Chaturthi include Kasba Ganpati, Tambdi Jogeshwari Ganpati, Guruji Talim, Tulshibaugh Ganpati and Kesariwada Ganpati at Kesariwada. The immersion scenes are mad and the celebrations are rad. Don’t forget to try out the world famous Modak. Hey if Lord Ganesha loves them, they must be something special!
3. Goa
How can we forget listing India largest tourist place?- Goa!
Goa, apart from being famous for its beaches, is also known for its architectural heritage and famous places of worship. Just like other Indian cities, Goa also celebrates the Ganesh festival on a large scale and this festival reserves a special place in the hearts of Goans. You can witness various colours of this festival in the temples of Ganeshpuri and Khandola located in Mapusa. Goa’s Marcela is known for its innovative Ganesh idols made using coconut, bamboo, cane and areca nut. The place also decorates the Ganesh idols and pandals in the most creative and pleasing way ever. So, why not plan your Goa trip during Ganesh Chaturthi this year?
4. Bangalore
Next up is the Silicon Valley of India, Bangalore.
Despite the rapid modernisation and the urban social culture creeping in, the city has held on to its cultural and traditional roots. In this fast-paced city, the visarjan rituals at Sankey Tank and Ulsoor Lake remind you that it’s denizens know how to take a break and bask in the glorious colours and visual spectacle. Among the places to visit during Ganesha Festival are the Panchamukha Heramba Ganapati Temple and Ananthanagar Ganapati Temple.
5. Hyderabad
Moving on, we reach the city of pearls, Hyderabad.
Standing at an imposing 58 feet the Khairatabad Ganesh idol is the very definition of eye-catching. Accompanying the mega work of art is a huge laddu weighing in at 6000 Kilos! Of course, it would be broken down into smaller pieces and distributed among devotees. So that’s an added incentive if you were visiting. Biriyani isn’t the only thing Hyderabad is famous for, the 1,00,000 pandals erected in honour of Lord Ganesh throughout the city count as well! While in Hyderabad during Ganesh Chaturthi, always stop by Hussain Sagar Lake. Ganesh idols of all sizes are immersed with emotions running high as the people bid goodbye to their beloved God.
6. Ganpatipule
The list is incomplete without Ganpatipule
Located on the Konkon coast of Maharashtra, Ganpatipule is famous for its 400 years old Swayambhu Ganpati Temple. The temple is located on the beautiful Ganpatipule beach and it attracts thousands of pilgrims every year. The villagers celebrate the festival of Ganesha by decorating the entire temple and carrying a huge pooja. A taller idol of Lord Ganesh is also placed on a palanquin and is carried by the devotees throughout the village. This heart-felt and pleasant view will surely make you visit the town every year during the days of Ganesha.
7. Delhi
Delhi might be famous for Dussehra and Ram Navami but all the denizens of the city and especially the Marathi community awaits Ganesh Chaturthi with bated breath.
Uttam Nagar and Laxmi Nagar, the hub of Marathi speaking population ranks among the places you should definitely visit. Vinayak Temple in Sarojini Nagar is one such holy shrine you need to visit this Ganesh Chaturthi.
8. Kanipakam
Kanipakam, the Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh, is renowned for the Varasiddhi Vinayaka Temple (Kanipakam). The Vinayaka idol grew in size and was built by Chola king Kulothunga Chola I in the 11th century. The Brahmotsavam is held for 21 days, starting from the first day of Vinayaka Chavithi. During the festive days, there will be morning and evening prayers. Sweets like Modaks along with Karinji Will be made. The deity is worshipped with various pooja items, and the people visit the temple and offer Abhishekam to God.
9. Chennai
Chennai people celebrate Ganesha Chaturthi with zeal. Many NGOs and cultural organizations get into the play and place idols in many places in the city. The idols are available as specific themes like army, cricketer, doctor, lawyer, and a few fictional characters. The statues are even made using bamboo, sweets, chocolates, flowers, money, plastic etc.., to inspire and bring awareness among the public.
However, with the increase in pollution levels in Chennai city, people are more inclined towards eco-friendly products, and natural colors are also used, reducing the impact on the environment and the coastal ecosystem.
10. Hubli
Hubli in Karnataka celebrates the Ganesh festival most lavishly. It also includes Gowri Puja, where Parvati Devi is worshipped on the previous day. The women perform Vrath and pray for prosperity, good wealth, and life. The pandits wore red dhoti and shawl to perform Pooja. They invoke life into the idol through the Prana Pratishta mantras, followed by the Shodashopachara ritual. Different varieties of leaves and flowers are used in Pooja. On the 11th day, after the final offerings, the idol is carried out in a procession.
This is the final tribute to Lord Ganesha through dance and music. The idol is immersed in the river or sea to mark the end of Ganesh Chaturthi. It is believed that God removes the pain and sufferings of devotees while he’s immersed in waters and restores them with peace for a new beginning.
11. Thiruvananthapuram
In Thiruvananthapuram, the capital city of Kerala, Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated with a distinct blend of cultural fervor and religious devotion. While not as grandiose as some other regions, the festival holds a special place in the hearts of the local populace.
Ganesha idols made from clay or eco-friendly materials are crafted with intricate detailing. These idols are often modest in size and adorned with traditional Kerala attire. The celebrations begin with the chanting of hymns and prayers, accompanied by the rhythmic beats of traditional percussion instruments like chenda and mridangam.
One unique feature of Ganesh Chaturthi in Thiruvananthapuram is the traditional Kathakali dance performances dedicated to Lord Ganesha, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Kerala.
12. Diveagar
Ganesh Chaturthi in Diveagar, a picturesque coastal village in the Raigad district of Maharashtra, is a celebration deeply rooted in tradition and community spirit. The festivities here offer a unique and serene experience for both locals and visitors.
In Diveagar, the preparation for Ganesh Chaturthi begins weeks in advance. The highlight of the celebrations is the installation of eco-friendly clay idols of Lord Ganesha in homes and makeshift pandals (temporary shrines). These idols, intricately crafted by local artisans, are a testament to the village’s commitment to environmental sustainability.
During the ten-day festival, Diveagar comes alive with cultural performances, bhajans (devotional songs), and processions. The sound of traditional instruments like dholki and tasha resonates through the narrow lanes as devotees carry the idol on a beautifully decorated palanquin.
13. Nashik
Known for its religious significance and vibrant festivals, Nashik hosts grand celebrations during Ganesh Puja. The city comes alive with beautifully adorned Ganesh idols, cultural performances, and lively processions, especially along the banks of the Godavari River.
The Ramkund area is particularly famous for its Ganesh Visarjan rituals, where thousands of devotees gather to immerse the idols in a traditional and spiritual ceremony. Nashik’s unique blend of devotion and festivity makes it a must-visit during Ganesh Puja.
14. Mysore
Mysore’s rich cultural heritage and architectural grandeur offer a unique experience during Ganesh Puja. The city’s temples, including the famous Chamundeshwari Temple, host elaborate celebrations with traditional rituals and beautifully decorated Ganesh idols.
During the Ganesh Puja celebration, the streets are filled with music, dance, and processions, creating an atmosphere of joy and devotion. The royal ambiance of Mysore, combined with the vibrant festivities, makes it an unforgettable destination for celebrating Ganesh Puja in Karnataka.
15. Vadodara
Vadodara, a city known for its cultural diversity and grand festivals, celebrates Ganesh Puja with immense enthusiasm. The festivities here are marked by the installation of large, artistically crafted Ganesh idols in various public spaces and homes.
The city’s vibrant processions, cultural performances, and community gatherings create a lively atmosphere. Vadodara’s unique blend of traditional and modern celebrations, coupled with its warm hospitality, makes it an excellent destination for experiencing Ganesh Puja in Gujarat.
Final Thoughts
So this is the list of must-visit places during Ganesh Chaturthi. The food, the aura, the music, and the crowd will make it all worth it. If you are planning to buy something unique and spiritual for your friends and family members, check out the latest gifts on Ganesh Chaturthi to try in 2024.
What other holiday destination do you wish to travel to during this Ganesh Chaturthi holiday? Do let us know by commenting below. We would love to hear from you.
Happy Ganesh Chaturthi!
Image Courtesy
Pushkar Mandhre
Rajesh_India
BDphoto1
ste.india.com
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Helpful article here
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