Siddhivinayak opens Ganesh Chaturthi with flowers, lights and darshan queues

Siddhivinayak Temple’s entrance and sanctum were dressed in flowers and lights on Monday as devotees gathered for Ganesh Chaturthi darshan.

Chants of “Ganpati Bappa Morya” accompanied the queues at the Prabhadevi shrine, where security arrangements were in place for the gathering. Across Mumbai, households, housing societies and public mandals also welcomed Ganpati for the start of the festival.

At Lalbaugcha Raja, devotees queued for mukh darshan. Mumbaicha Raja at Ganesh Galli unveiled a retro-style, 22-foot idol alongside thematic decorations centred on cultural heritage. Chinchpoklicha Chintamani, GSB Seva Mandal in Matunga, Raja Tejukayacha, Girgaon Cha Maharaja and Andhericha Raja were also drawing visitors on the first day.

Bhulleshwarcha Raja Ganeshotsav Mandal has opted for a simpler celebration this year after a 22-foot Plaster of Paris Ganpati idol collapsed during its arrival procession in Bhuleshwar.

The festival is scheduled to conclude with idol immersion processions across Mumbai on September 25.