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Ganesh Chaturthi: Mumbai gears up to welcome its favourite deity

Last updated on: August 30, 2011 18:29 IST
An artisan prepares a Ganesh idol out of blades of grass
With only 48 hours to go for Ganesh Chaturthi, the festive spirit as gripped every nook and cranny of the city.

Pandals have been erected and streets are being adorned, as Mumbai gears up the welcome its most favourite deity -- Lord Ganesha.

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Ganesh Chaturthi: Mumbai gears up to welcome its favourite deity

Last updated on: August 30, 2011 18:29 IST
The RAF deployed at Lalbaugh, Mumbai
Security has been beefed up across the city before the 11-day extravaganza, which kick starts on Thursday. But before the festivities began, some of Mumbai's famous mandals offered a sneak peak of the idols and its decor.

Ganesh Chaturthi: Mumbai gears up to welcome its favourite deity

Last updated on: August 30, 2011 18:29 IST
The replica of Mallikarjun Jyotirling at Ganesh Galli
At Lalbaug, which is the epicentre of the festival, preparations are in full swing.

The grand set of Ganesh Galli, which houses the Mumbaicha Raja, has drawn inspiration from Andhra Pradesh's famous Mallikarjun Jyotirling, a popular Shiva temple in Srisailam town of Kurnool district.

Ganesh Chaturthi: Mumbai gears up to welcome its favourite deity

Last updated on: August 30, 2011 18:29 IST
The idol at Ganesh Galli
The Lalbaughcha Raja, Mumbai's most famous idol, was unveiled on Monday.

The 12-foot idol sits on his throne like it does every year adorned in a white dhoti. As Lalbaugcha Raja attracts maximum number of devotees, the security has been more elaborate as compared to last year in wake of the 13/7 blasts.

Ganesh Chaturthi: Mumbai gears up to welcome its favourite deity

Last updated on: August 30, 2011 18:29 IST
The entrance of the Lalbaughcha Raja mandal

The police have also roped in contingents of Rapid Action Force and Quick Response Team.

In Lalbaugh alone, 5,000 constables will be deployed on round-the-clock duty and they will be assisted by 4,000 volunteers from the mandal. The police have also asked all other mandals in the city to CCTV cameras inside the pandal with a 15-day recording facility.

 

Ganesh Chaturthi: Mumbai gears up to welcome its favourite deity

Last updated on: August 30, 2011 18:29 IST
Artisans give a final touch to the pandal at Tilak Nagar

The Sahayadri Krida Mandal in Chembur's Tilak Nagar, which is an alleged stronghold of fugitive gangster Chhota Rajan, is amongst the most lavish in the city. This year, the mandal has recreated the Akshardham temple of Delhi spread over 100 acres.