Ganesh Chaturthi Guide 2025: Mumbai’s Grand Celebration

Mumbai’s Ganesh Utsav is not just a festival; it’s an emotion that unites millions of people in devotion, joy, and cultural pride. For ten vibrant days, the city transforms into a living canvas of colour, music, and spirituality. Streets glow with elaborate pandals, chants of Ganpati Bappa Morya echo through neighbourhoods, and processions carry idols of Lord Ganesh to their temporary homes. In 2025, the celebration promises to be bigger than ever, with special attractions, eco-conscious practices, and meticulous planning by the city to handle the massive footfall of devotees and tourists alike.

Important Dates for Ganesh Chaturthi 2025

This year, Ganesh Chaturthi begins on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, with the installation of idols during the auspicious Madhyahna Muhurat between 11:05 AM and 1:40 PM. The festivities will continue for ten days, culminating in the grand Ganesh Visarjan on Saturday, September 6, 2025, also known as Anant Chaturdashi. 
From household idols to colossal community installations, the city will immerse itself in rituals, aartis, cultural events, and devotional music, ending with the emotional farewell of Ganpati Bappa as idols are taken for immersion across Mumbai’s beaches, lakes, and artificial ponds.

Traffic Insights and Restrictions

Ganeshotsav brings lakhs of visitors onto the streets every day, making traffic management one of the most crucial aspects of the festival. The Mumbai Police has rolled out a comprehensive citywide traffic plan for 2025, deploying over 17,000 personnel to manage crowds and diversions.

Citywide Arrangements:

• North to South Mumbai Movement: Vehicles are advised to use the Chhatrapati Sambhaji Raje Coastal Road to ensure smoother connectivity between the suburbs and South Mumbai.
• Heavy Vehicle Restrictions: Trucks and other heavy vehicles will not be allowed on the Mumbai-Goa Highway (NH-66) and Bor Ghat during key days, especially from August 23 to 28 and again on August 31, September 6 to 7, to reduce congestion near immersion routes.
• No-Parking Zones: Major roads near popular pandals such as Lalbaug, Girgaon, Andheri, and Byculla will be marked as no-parking stretches from 11:00 AM to 6:00 AM the next day.

Key Diversions

Tip for Devotees: Use local trains, metro, or BEST buses for pandal-hopping instead of private vehicles. Walking short stretches is often faster than being stuck in traffic.

• Colaba Division: Nathalal Parekh Marg and Rambhau Salgaonkar Marg will remain closed for vehicular traffic, with alternate access via Captain Prakash Pethe Marg and SBS Road.
• Marine Drive Division: Northbound traffic on Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Road will be redirected towards the Coastal Road during peak hours.
• Kalbadevi & Girgaon: J.S.S. Road will be closed from Abdul Kareem Khan Chowk to Portuguese Church, with diversions routed through Maharshi Karve Road and N.S. Road.
• Byculla & Tardeo: Roads like N.M. Joshi Marg, Baburao Jagtap Marg, and Pandita Ramabai Marg will be restricted. Motorists are advised to use alternate routes such as Currey Road Bridge, Lalbaug Flyover, and Sir JJ Bridge.

Must-Visit Ganpati Pandals in 2025

Every year, Mumbai’s pandals compete to create the most awe-inspiring installations. Here are the ones you can’t miss this year:

1. Lalbaugcha Raja

Celebrating its 90th year in 2025, Lalbaugcha Raja continues to reign as Mumbai’s most iconic Ganpati. Standing tall at nearly 50 feet, the idol will be housed in a golden palace-themed mandap. Devotees can choose between two queues: the Navsachi Darshan (special vow darshan, with waits up to 25 hours) and the Mukha Darshan (general line, 8–10 hours). Darshan is open from 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM daily, with tickets ranging from ₹50 (general) to ₹500 (special).

2. GSB Seva Mandal, King’s Circle

Known as Mumbai’s richest Ganpati, the idol here is adorned with kilos of real gold and silver, yet remains eco-friendly, crafted entirely of clay. The pandal is famous for its Vedic rituals, traditional décor, and grandeur.

3. Ganesh Gully’s Mumbai Cha Raja

This pandal in Parel is known for its artistic themes and elaborate sets. Every year, it recreates a cultural landmark or heritage site, making it a favourite among families and children.

4. Girgaoncha Raja

Established in 1928, this eco-conscious pandal is known for its shadu clay idol and traditional Maharashtrian look. The idol, adorned with a classic pheta (turban), symbolises Mumbai’s deep-rooted devotion to eco-friendly practices.

5. Chinchpokli Cha Chintamani

One of the oldest public Ganpatis (founded in 1920), this pandal draws massive crowds for its intricate idol design and traditional aartis.

6. Andheri Cha Raja

This suburban favourite is popular for its towering idol and cultural programs. The mandal is also known for fulfilling devotees’ wishes, making it a major draw for Mumbaikars.

7. Kalachowkicha Mahaganpati 

Established in 1956, Kalachowkicha Mahaganpati is a sight to see! The glorious murti is known to try various themes and trends every year. It is one of Mumbai's oldest Ganesh Mandals and experiences a footfall of thousands, only on the first day. 

8. Khetwadicha Raja

Khetwadicha Raja is known to host religious and cultural performances every year. Established in 1959 by the 12th Khetwadi S.G.M., it is one of the busiest pandals in the city as devotees from all over come to seek the blessings of the divine.

9. Fort Cha Raja

A must-visit in the south of Mumbai has to be the Fort Cha Raja. Established in 1962, it celebrated 63 years in 2025 as devotees came to seek the blessings of Lord Ganesha. 

10. Sakinaka Cha Raja

Sakinaka Cha Raja is 56 years old, having been established in 1969 as the Saki Mohili Sarvajanik Utsav Mandal. It is one of the most visited pandals in the suburbs. 

How to Travel During Ganeshotsav

• Local Trains: The fastest and most reliable way to reach major pandals in Central and Western Mumbai.
• Metro: Ideal for reaching suburbs like Andheri and Ghatkopar while avoiding road traffic.
• Buses and Taxis: Use them to cover last-mile connectivity, but expect delays near immersion routes.
• Walking: For pandals clustered in South Mumbai, such as Lalbaug, Girgaon, and Chinchpokli, walking between them is often the easiest way.

Ganesh Chaturthi 2025 in Mumbai is set to be a magnificent celebration, blending devotion, tradition, and community spirit with modern crowd management and eco-conscious efforts.