The oldest Ganesh pandals in Mumbai

Rediff.com's Satish Bodas goes pandal hopping and discovers some historically significant ones.

The exact year when Ganeshotsav became a public event in Mumbai may be disputable.

Here are some pandals that have been celebrating the festival for more than 40 years now.

Take a look!

IMAGE: Chintamani Ganpati, near Chinchpokli is entering its 97th year of celebrations this year. Perhaps, it is one of the oldest known Ganesh pandals in the city. The idol is 17 ft tall.

IMAGE: Girgaoncha Raja, in Girgaon, Mumbai is also 88 years old. The 21 ft idol is eco-friendly.

IMAGE: Very close to the popular Lalbaugcha Raja is the Ganesh Galli Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal. The Mumbaicha Raja enters its 89th year of celebrations this year. It is modelled on the Badrinath Mandir and the idol is 22 ft tall.

IMAGE: The Rangari Badak Chawl Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal in Lalbaug has been celebrating Ganeshotsav for 76 years no. This year's theme -- Pandavanchi Mahabharat -- is a scene from the epic Mahabharat.

IMAGE: The Lal Maidan Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal in Parel is entering its 70th year of celebrations. The theme is Shaniwarwada, an 18th century fort in Pune.

IMAGE: Parelcha Raja at Narepark Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal in Parel is 70 years old.

IMAGE: Enter Khetwadi 11th lane, Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal which is celebrating its 55th year this time. The idol is 27 ft tall and the background is themed to create a Himalayan effect.

IMAGE: The Tejukaya Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal, Lalbaug is 50 years old. This year, they have aimed to focus on the plight of farmers in Maharashtra. Ganesha is seen holding a plough in one of his hands and is seated on a bullock cart driven by the mouse.

IMAGE: The Akhil Chandanwadi Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal has been celebrating the festival since 38 years now. This year, the murti stands 24 ft tall and is themed around a united Maharashtra.

IMAGE: The Tulsi Building Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal in Khetwadi, Mumbai is known for its interestingly themed Ganesha idols. This year, the murti is made from 12,000 modaks weighing a total of 108 kg.