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. On this occasion of Vinayagar Chaturthi,

We bring you a list of Top 5 Most Known Places to visit in 10 days of Ganesh Chaturthi. Spots you wouldn’t want to miss out on!

The city that never dozes

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.

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!

Silicon Valley of India

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.

The city of pearls

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.

Dil walon ki – 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.