In a country that celebrates togetherness, festivals hold a special place. And when it comes to the city of dreams, nothing is more real and widely celebrated than Ganesh Chaturthi. The whole city syncs into beats of the dhol, tunes of aarti and laughter surrounding events and dances.
The flamboyance of the celebrations were silenced in the last two years owing to the global pandemic. It re-emphasised the importance of community living. People could not gather and the tradition of community wide festivity came to a halt. Originally, Ganesh Chaturthi had been a familial celebration, not expanding into the neighbourhood. The origins of immense public celebrations find its roots in the city of Mumbai, or Bombay as it was known then. Encompassing the entirety of the word festive, Ganesh Chaturthi began as a step toward freedom, equality and cultural pride.
During colonial times, the British had imposed a ban on political gatherings. In the midst of many such restrictions, the freedom fighter and leader, Bal Gangadhar Tilak initiated huge celebrations in Bombay and neighbouring regions that brought people together. Ganesh Chaturthi became an opportunity for people to bond, laugh and celebrate.
This year, people look forward to hosting the God of New Beginnings, not only at home but together as a community. The value of the festival to unite people and feel the bond of being a part of something bigger than oneself hits home differently.
Mumbai’s residents have a way of making the festival their own. Skilled craftsmen shape infinite idols of Ganpati, not one identical to the other. The excitement and eagerness spares no one. Right from narrow alleys to huge societies and private homes, pandals are creatively decorated and adorned with the most delicious modaks. The air is charged up with dhols and dances as life-sized idols of Ganpati are brought in. Crowds of people go around the city visiting different pandals, temples and the idols at homes, right from Siddhivinayak Temple and Lalbaugcha Raja to pandals in the neighbourhood and homes of friends and family.
With Suraj in prime neighbourhoods like Dadar, Prabhadevi and Mahim, be at the centre of awe-inspiring celebrations and temples. We welcome you to celebrate with all your heart in spacious homes with ample room for your beloved Ganpati bappa and all your loved ones.