Living in Mumbai as an expat means being surrounded by rich culture and vibrant festivals, and Ganesh Chaturthi in Mumbai is the most spectacular of them all. For ten days, the city transforms into a celebration of devotion, color, and community. Even from our 55th-floor apartment, we could hear the excitement from the streets below, with fireworks and drums continuing well into the night. This blog post is all about what it’s like to experience Ganesh Chaturthi in Mumbai as an expat, including the giant Ganesh idols, the late-night festivities, and why we skipped the massive crowds at the sea immersion.
The Giant Ganesh Idols in Mumbai
One of the highlights of Ganesh Chaturthi in Mumbai is the incredible Ganesh idols that pop up all over the city. These statues, ranging from small to towering 15-foot figures, are placed in homes, neighborhoods, and public areas, beautifully decorated with vibrant colors, flowers, and lights.
Walking through Mumbai during this time feels like stepping into a living art gallery. The artistry and effort that go into crafting these Ganesh idols are awe-inspiring. Every street has its own version of the god, some more elaborate than others, but each carries its unique charm and devotion. As an expat, this is one of the moments where you realize how deeply embedded cultural traditions are in everyday life here.
Late-Night Festivities During Ganesh Chaturthi in Mumbai
If there’s one thing that stands out during Ganesh Chaturthi in Mumbai, it’s the noise. From our 55th floor, we could hear the constant beat of drums and fireworks lighting up the sky. The celebration doesn’t stop—every night, the streets fill with people dancing, singing, and following processions of Ganesh idols.
Even though we weren’t right in the middle of it, we felt like part of the action from our balcony. The energy from the streets below is contagious, and there’s no escaping the fact that the entire city is alive with joy and devotion. It’s a unique experience for any expat to witness the entire community come together in celebration.
Why We Skip the Massive Crowds
While we soaked in much of the festival, there was one part we decided to skip—the immersion of the Ganesh idols in the Arabian Sea. This grand finale, known as Visarjan, draws millions of people to Mumbai’s beaches, with estimates of around 20 million participants. For us, the idea of navigating through such massive crowds was a bit too overwhelming.
That being said, you don’t have to attend the Ganesh immersion in Mumbai to feel the excitement. The entire city feels the collective energy as processions fill the streets, drums beating, and people chanting prayers as they make their way to the sea. It’s truly a city-wide event, and while we didn’t brave the crowds ourselves, watching from a distance still gave us a sense of being part of something much bigger.
Ganesh Chaturthi in Mumbai: A Sense of Community
One of the most heartwarming aspects of Ganesh Chaturthi in Mumbai is the sense of community. Even as expats, we felt welcomed into the celebrations. People were friendly, inviting us to join in the festivities, share sweets, and enjoy the experience together.
This festival is a beautiful reminder that no matter where you come from, you can find connection and joy in shared celebrations. It highlights the importance of community, and being an expat here gives you a front-row seat to witness how traditions bring people together.
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