Fred Travels

The vibrant city of Mumbai offers a delight for foodies with its mélange of cuisines and cultures! A foodie in Mumbai is simply spoilt for choice with 5-star restaurants serving gourmet food to local street snacks, one can gorge over quaint cafe foods and have fine dine evenings. Exotic cuisine from all over to world is equally appreciated as migrant food from various parts of the country! From traditional meals to snacks created and found only in Mumbai, this city has delicacies one must try in a lifetime. Here is a yummy list of must-eats in Mumbai to get your taste buds tickling –

1.Vada Pav outside Kirti College 

Claims to be the best Vada Pav in Mumbai! The city’s staple and humble snack is enjoyed in almost every nook & corner. However, the Ashok Vada Pav stall outside Kirti College in Dadar wins hearts all over. Assuring the same taste for the past 35 years, this joint attracts eaters to gorge over their scrumptious and crisp vadas with the perfectly seasoned filling – simply marvelous!

Address : Off Cadel Road, Kirti College Lane, Prabhadevi.

 

2.Dal Makhani at Preetam da Dhaba

Crave for Punjabi food in Mumbai? Head straight to Preetam da Dhabha. One, for the heavenly food, and two, for the rustic ambience of a typical Dhabha to give you the real feel. Any Mumbaikar would highly recommend a dose of their creamy and luscious Dal Makhani to bring a smile to your face. Paired with their special Karari Roti, it’s a meal one cannot miss in Mumbai.

Address : Hotel Midtown Pritam, Pritam Estates, Dadar East, Mumbai

 

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3.Bun Maska at Sasania Bakery

Dating back in history, Mumbai does remember falling in love with the Parsis and the love for Iranian food. Although most Iranian restaurants have shut down, still some remain favourites owing to their signature dishes! Sasania Bakery near Metro cinema shines through with their yummy treats. Hot bun maska with a kadak chai at this place is sure to tell a tale of its own!

Address : 98, Marine View, Dhobi Talao, Marine Lines

 

4.Misal Pav at Datta Snacks, old Pune Highway

Touring towards Pune from Mumbai, one can burp over delectable Maharashtrian snacks at Datta Snacks on the old highway. They also have a new outlet on the new Expressway near Khalapur. Spicy Misal is served in big bowls with some crispy farsan and raw onion! One can soak some fresh pav in the gravy to complete a yummy meal and head back en route! Other snacks enjoyed here are thaalipeeth, kothimbir vadi and sabudana khichadi.

Address : Mumbai - Pune Expy, Dahivati Tarf Boreti, Maharashtra 410203

5.Jaggery Icecream at Bojohari Manna (Lokhandwala, Andheri)

People from all over the country have made Mumbai their home. No wonder Bengal has served us its treats at Bhojohari Manna, a modest eatery in Andheri. After having satisfied your taste buds with Bengali affairs, one must try a unique ice cream made with Bengal’s favourite date palm jiggery – Noler Gur. This decadence is churned out of fresh milk and sweetened with Nolen Gur and is an innovative twist on the traditional Bengali sweet, ‘Sandesh’ representing it in the form of an ice cream!

Address : Oshiwara, Andheri West
Galleria Shopping Centre, Powai
Chembur Naka, Mumbai

 

6.Veg Lunch at Govinda Restaurant ISKON

Wishing to have a divine intervention with food? Come and have a humble and holy meal at the Govinda ISKON restaurant in Juhu. Purely vegetarian, sans onion and garlic, this ‘satvic’ bliss will make you feel heavenly. Situated adjacent to the Krishna temple with beautiful ambience of wooden furniture and old world charm upholstery and tapestry, this restaurant spells devotion in everything! Can it get more divine – all the food offered to customers is first offered to Lord Krishna, making it truly transcendental. Hare Krishna!

Address : Juhu Church Road, ISKCON Temple, Hare Krishna Land, Juhu, Vile Parle West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400049

 

7.Maharashtrian Snacks at Prakash – Dadar

Batata Vada, Misal, Sabudana Vada, Khichadi, Thalipeeth, Piyush! My tummy is happy. By far the best Maharashtrian snacks one can find in the hustling suburb of Dadar is at Prakash! Serving Mumbaikars since the past 30 years, this modest eatery is super pocket friendly and serves the same taste every time you decide to munch on few snacks here. Food is simple, hygienic and oh so delightful. Surely a place one cannot miss in Mumbai!

Address : Near Shiv Sena Bhavan, Gokhale Road, Dadar Shivaji Park, Mumbai

8.Vodka Pani Puri at Pratap da Dhaba

When gastronomic fusion started its rage in India, it was Pratap da Dhaba that first introduced – Vodka Pani Puri in its eccentric North Indian Restaurant and has been sensational ever since. Complimentary welcome drinks, a good place to hang out with friends and family, mouthwatering Punjabi food and a shot of Vodka desi style – why won’t this place be on a must eat list!

Address : Link Plaza, Next To Punjab & Maharashtra Bank, Oshiwara, Andheri West

 

9.Chilly Ice cream at Bachelorr’s

Started at a small joint selling ice creams and juices, Bachelors has notched itself up to being a dessert parlour! This stall swung right outside Girgaon Chowpatty serves a delicious spread of ice creams, juices, sandwiches and quick bites. The most popular pick here – the green chilly ice cream! Still sweet and tastes like ice cream but the fiery hint of chilly gives it a kick. Ginger, orange blossom, shahi gulab are also some exotic flavours to try.

Address : 45, Ext. Sattar Sea View, Chowpatty Sea Face, Dr. Purandare Road, Marine Drive, Charni Road, Chowpatty, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400007

 

10.Misal pav near Mamledar Office – Thane

If you are a Misal fan, the Misal at Mamledar is a must try! Available in two variants – normal and hot (read very spicy), it’s a mouthwatering curry served with crunchy farsan and raw onion and a humble pav to dip through the spicy madness! Pocket friendly and modest, this little place is surely burn your tongue and not your pocket!

Address : Opposite Zilla Parishad, Talav Pali, Naupada, Thane West, Thane, Maharashtra 400602

 

11.Kaapi and Upma at Madras Café/ Idli House

The south of the east – Matunga, a quaint little suburb in central Mumbai hosts several south Indian themed ‘Udipi’ restaurants serving authentic feasts! Certainly, topping the list of many such joints in Café Madras near King’s Circle feeding hungry foodies to delicious south Indian snacks. The Kaapi (best filter coffee in Mumbai), Upma, Ragi Dosa, Ghee Dosa and Rasam Vadas are must haves!

Address : 38 B, Circle House, King's Circle, Matunga East, Mumbai

 

12.Dal-Phulka, Ganthiya Sabji, Masala Chaas and Bheeh at Bhagat Tarachand

Wish to have an affair with ghee-laden Marwadi food?! Head straight here. Bhagat Tarachand has been one of the oldest chain of restaurants serving north Indian and Marwadi delicacies in Mumbai. Started as a tiny outlet in the hustling Zaveri Bazar, now has full-fledged restaurants all over the city and country. Their humble Dal tempered to perfection, Ganthiya sabzi, dal baat, Sev tomato sabzi paired with hot rotlas make such a satisfying and memorable meal,

Address : Mumbadevi Commercial Center 69/75, Zaveri Bazaar, Kalbadevi Mumbai - 400002

13.Sindhi Treats at Jhama and Vig - Chembur

Chembur, a multi-ethnic suburb is however home to predominately Sindhis and Punjabis, hence giving us a plethora of eateries and restaurants to hog at with modest pricings. From Simple Sindhi staple breakfast of Dal Pakwan at Vig Refreshments to heavenly sweets at Jhama, it’s a paradise for north Indian foos lovers. Vig serves crispy pakwans with tangy and spicy combinations of dals, chhole puris and lassi! Jhama came to be so famous that even Raj Kapoor would order sweets only from here!

Address : Jhama Sweets, Dr Chotiram Gidwani Road, Chembur Camp, Chembur (East)

 

14.Khichadi at Swati Snacks - Tardeo

All of India’s staple food – khichadi made from simple mix of lentils and rice cooked together with mild tempering is the best comfort food of all times! This simple all in one meal is such a popular dish present at Swati Snacks in Tardeo, and yet has thousands of visitors wanting to grab a spoon of this humble dish. Swati has various versions of khichadi with recipes from different parts of the country with excellent pairings to go along. A must visit!

Address : 248, Karai Estate, Opposite Bhatia Hospital, Tardeo Road, Tardeo, Mumbai

15.Pav Bhaji at Sardar Pav Bhaji – Tardeo

Beaming with pride, this pav bhaji is hands down the best pav bhaji one can ever come across! Reason – this place has invented the legendary dish! Laden with generous amounts of butter, Sardar pav bhaji ranks on the top of every pav bhaji lover. Also, being called ‘butter bath’ by critics, the pav bhaji here swears not use artificial colours and flavourings, but is made simply using lots of vegetables and their secret masala. Another reason why its famous is that one can satisfy a midnight craving of yummy greasy food as this place is open upto the wee hours of night.

Address : 166-A, 166-B, Tardeo road junction, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400034

16.Rustomjee's Biscuit Icecream – Churchgate

K.Rustom at Churchgate has been serving simple home churned ice cream for more than a century. Their USP – Luscious ice cream sandwiched between wafer crisp biscuits! Walking towards the Marine Drive from Churchgate, this tiny outlet is easily miss able. However, once you know of this place and the wonders it does to your taste buds, you are sure to be a frequenter. Few must try flavours are Rum n Raisin, Peach Choco Nut and Walnut Crunch!

Address : 86, Veer Nariman Road, Churchgate, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400020

17.Badshahi Falooda at Badshah - Crawford Market

Serving the ‘badshaah of faloodas’ for decades, this place is like an oasis amidst the ever-crowded Crawford Market. At Badshah, one can have various snacks, juices and desserts. However, quenching your thirst after a round of shopping in the heat can only be justified by the rich falooda they offer. The place is always full, but be sure of a prompt service, and of course decadent faloodas.

Address : 152/156, Umrigar Building, Lokmanya Tilak Marg | Opposite Crawford Market, Fort, Mumbai 400001, India

18.Chat at Elco Market Hill Rd

Elco at Bandra is rated as the best place to have gorgeous and tongue tickling Chaat. Situated on the buzzing hill road, this vegetarian snack joint has grown from a humble chaat counter to a fully functional restaurant. Pani Puri lovers swear by this place for it is known as the best pani puri in town.

Address : 2/A, Elco Market, 46, Hill Road, Bandra West

19.Batata vada & Samosa at Krishna - Dadar

Considered a ‘pitstop when at Dadar’, this place fried up some lip smacking snacks. Most famous here is the humble batata vada which is like no other! They do not serve any pav/bread with their vadas, which makes them special. Hot, crisp, spicy and salivating – batata vadas here are simply heavenly, eaten with a bite of fried green chillies for that extra kick! One can also munch on Samosas which are equally liked, and so are the little cubes of kothimbir wadis.

Address : Radha Nivas, Chhabildas Rd, Dadar West, Dadar, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400028

20.Bun Maska & Mawa Samosa at Merwan - Grant Road

Mumbai has a deep love for Iranian outlets. The love affair with Merwan has been legendary! Serving since almost a century, this place gives out the most amazing Iranian treats – bum maska, mava samosas and their divine mawa cakes! Their mawa cakes run out at 6 am on Sunday mornings! This iconic eatery was supposed to shut down but the love of Mumbaikars is reviving its shine.

Address : Ali Bhai Remji Road, Opposite Station, Grant Road East, Grant Road, Mumbai

21.Besebelle bhat at Gopal Lunch Home - Malad

A south Indian meal is said to be soul filling and heartwarming owning to its subtle and humble flavours. This is translated very well by the ‘Bisi Bele Bhat’ at Gopal Lunch Home in Malad. This soul-stirring dish from Karnataka is basically a khichadi with dal, lentils and vegetables cooked together with the loveliest combination of tangy and spicy savours; and Gopal does justice to its glory.

Address : Talvo Mahal, Near Railway Station, Parekh Road, Vijaykar Wadi, Malad West, Mumbai

22.Samosa at Gurukripa

A combination unlike any other - samosa chhole at Guru Kripa in Sion is another snack Mumbaikars adore. The owner of this place started a cart of samosa-chhole 41 years ago, which now is a quintessential stop by at Sion. Moderate pricing and humble ambience give this place a rustic feel which is undoubtedly overpowered by the hot and crunchy samosas here!

Address : 40, Guru Kripa Building, Road 24, Near SIES College, Sion, Mumbai

23.Gajanan vada pav - Thane

Serving since 1978, this is one of the most famous joints in Thane. The humble vada pav gets a different meaning here in a quaint little joint in Thane. What makes it unique is a whacky yellow chutney made with besan, chillies and a few other secret ingredients! Foodies come pouring in for this special combination of yellow chutney and hot, crisp vadas found nowhere else!

Address : Chhatrapati Sambhaji Road, Naupada, Thane West

24.Farali Pattice at Prahlad Pattice Center - Princess Street

A delicious Maharashtrian snack, the farali pattice is a patty made from mashed potatoes with a tangy and sweet filling made of coconut, raisins, green chillies and spices. Pralhad at Zaveri Bazaar knows best! A board here reads ‘Mava Masalanye Bharlele Special Farali Pattice’! Highly recommended with a cup of evening tea, these gorgeous patties are a must try!

Address : Prahlad Petis Centre
Princess Street, Mumbai - 400002

25.Kanji vada at Kalbadevi near cotton exchange

When one talks about the best street food in Mumbai, one cannot unhear the name of a certain cart serving ‘Kanji wada’ at Kalbadevi. This Rajasthani wonder is a yummy combination of kanji – a refreshing digestive drink and a vada – made of lentils. The place does not have a specific name but one can find a big unmissable crowd near cotton exchange area and be sure to gorge on this lovely drink.

Address : 3/01, Bhuleshwar Corner, Opposite Cotton Exchange, Kalbadevi, Mumbai

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Mumbai get to have a rare sight each year when a sea of pink marvels the eyes of onlookers at Sewri. The wetlands in the Sewri-Mahul area witness the beauty of migrating flamingoes around February-march each year. Although, with the construction of the proposed coastal road – the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link connecting Sewri with Uran in Navi Mumbai, the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHP) claims to see a downfall in the number of visitors this year. For the past few years, Mumbaikars are rejoicing this mesmerizing view of pink plumes - about more than 15,000 flamingoes that are flocking against the backdrop of lush mangroves along the central Mumbai coastline. The BNHP however feels that these migrators may change preferences of location due to alteration of these wetlands.

However, hope always prevails nature enthusiasts who are waiting with their cameras and binoculars to capture this breathtaking sights. Buses are arranged from Sewri station to Sewri jetty between 12.30 pm and 5 pm with BNHS experts and volunteers explaining to enthusiasts through spotting scopes and binoculars about the Lesser and Greater flamingos and other species, including sandpipers and kingfishers. Past years have seen a rise in people coming to have a peek of these beauties. As soon as a flock of flamingos starts to appear over the horizon, people are enthralled at the sight of the pink beauties. The numbers gradually begin increasing - both flamingos and of the visitors.

The Flamingo Festival is one of the steps towards spreading awareness about the importance of biodiversity and its conservation. Visitors including corporates, students, government employees and the common masses are becoming more sensitive to the issue. This will go a long way in safeguarding the natural habitats of Mumbai.

The Flamingo festival will certainly notch bird watching to another level! So, get ready to Get, Set, Go!

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The vibrant city of Nashik proudly exports various types of wines not only in other parts of India but all around the world. The wine capital is ready to add another feather to its cap while presenting the India Grape Harvest Festival in the month of March 2017. Branding Nashik to a whole new level, this month-long extravagant festival is to be held from March 1, 2017.

[caption id="attachment_508" align="alignnone" width="600"] Wine[/caption]

Organised by the tourism ministry of the state government, this festival aims to promote tourism and wine gourmet in the country. This festival is inspired by a festival held by the Indian Grape Processing Board (IGPB) of the central government in Vinchur Wine Park in 2013, after which no harvest festivals were organized.

[caption id="attachment_505" align="alignnone" width="616"] Grape Stomping[/caption]

The India Grape Harvest Festival is to be held at 20 locations across the district of Nashik with 12 participating wineries and 3 & 5 star agro destination vineyards. Visitors can enjoy winery tours, grape stomping tours and wine tasting sessions. Overnight guests can also avail of tents.

 

Planning to visit Nashik : Click Here

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Job satisfaction = better performance. Corporate employers have evolved in the era of keeping their talent acquisitioned team and employees happy and satisfied, thereby retaining them and providing them a sense of belonging.  Human resource experts believe that non-traditional, non-cash rewards can have a greater impact on the performance of employees. Thus, churning out the traditional cash bonus which employees received for good performance, Incentive Corporate Tours have begun making their mark in the travel world. Companies are trending to give out all expense paid trips as tokens of appreciation to their employees, thereby aiming to create a bond which goes beyond professionalism. These tours generally are announced in groups and involve various travel packages – both domestic and foreign tours. In result, organisations have noticed remarkable degrees of better performance and commitment to work from their personnel.

Keeping in mind, the trend of Incentive Tours, we at Fred Travels understand the laborious planning and co-ordinating that group travel packages entail. These tasks of managing group incentive excursions and events for employees can be time consuming and requires patience in dealing with operators, restaurants, hotels and other vendors in order to put together the program you desire. Fred travels does exactly this! We at Fred Travels can help you plan and execute your incentive programs and take the stress out of the experience.  Give us your budget, brief information of guests traveling and sit back to rely on us to give you the best travel experience.

Fred Travels organizes corporate and incentive tours in Mumbai, extended all over Maharashtra and Goa. Keep your worries at bay with Fred Travels, as we expertise in handling inbound tour services for all sizes of groups. Select from our specifically designed packages to explore Mumbai, Maharashtra, Goa and Karnataka. Fred Travels also lets you customize your travel plans, considering your needs and budget. Find the best deals with us and we assure you to provide the best rewarding tour for your employees.

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Monsoon season is about to conclude and they say the monsoons come to an end with the celebration of Dassehra. Dassehra is celebrated with great fervor and pomp throughout India. Yet, during this time of the year, it is best to visit Mysore - the Palace city, because this festival is the ‘nadahabba’ (state’s festival) of Karnataka. This place displays a distinct tradition of celebrating this fiesta, an extraordinary pageant, that draws the attention of many.

Mysore, earlier named Mysuru or Mahishur, has extravagant roots spread deep into the mythical past. Legend has it that Goddess Chamundeshwari of Chamundeshwari Temple, assassinated Mahishasura- the sinful buffalo-headed demon, after a long fierce battle. It is his name from which the name Mahishur or Mysuru came into existence. While the festival of Dassehra denotes the victory of Good over Evil, the execution of Mahishasura shared the same inspiration. Hence, Dassehra aka Vijayadashmi is celebrated here with glory and gaiety.

The celebration in the city...

[caption id="attachment_294" align="alignnone" width="600"] Cultural Events In Mysore, Karnataka India[/caption]

The grandeur of this festivals includes different cultural activities and events. The celebration continues for 10 days, beginning with the first nine days of Navaratri (the worship of Goddess Durga for nine days) with Vijayadashmi (Dasahara - ten days) at culmination.

Navaratri

[caption id="attachment_303" align="alignnone" width="600"] Golden Throne at Mysore Palace, India[/caption]

On the first day of Navaratri, the king takes a ceremonial bath and performs various sacred rites in front of Goddess Chamundi,his family deity. He then enters the durbar and worships the throne as per the ancient rituals. He is then presented the royal sword after which the royal 21- gun salute is announced. Following this, the king attains his kingly throne and the magnificent celebration begins with music and dance performances, a parade of uniformed soldiers, etc. Local legend says that this throne is said to have been used by Vikramaditya, the famous King of ancient Ujjain.

On the day of Mahanavmi, the royal sword is worshiped paying respect to the family deity. This tradition, first started in the year 1610 by the Wodeyar King - Raja Wodeyar I, is still continued even today with the current scion of the Wodeyar family, Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar.

The puja 

[caption id="attachment_301" align="alignnone" width="600"] Goddess Chamundeshwari, Chamundeshwari Temple Mysore[/caption]

On the 10th day of Dassehra, before the procession begins, the royal couple worships the Divine Mother atop the Chamunda Hill in the Chamundeshwari Temple. They perform various sacred rituals with devotion and dedication. It is then the idol of the Divine Mother is taken out for the procession. This bronze idol of mother Durga in the form of Mahisasura-mardini is believed to be found in the 5th Century.

Jamboo Savari Procession

[caption id="attachment_291" align="alignnone" width="600"] Jambu Savari procession Mysore, Karnataka India[/caption]

Jamboo Savari - the traditional procession is held in the Mysore city. The highlight of this event is the idol of the Goddess Chamundeshwari, placed in a golden howdah on the top of a decorated elephant. Once the procession begins, music bands, dance groups, tableau from the history, parades performed by NCC Scots and armed forces, the royal identities, follows the magnificently decorated elephant. This event starts from the Mysore Palace and concludes at a place called ‘Bannimantap’. Here, the Banni tree is worshiped. Legend from the epic Mahabharata narrates that Banni tree was used by the Pandavas to hide their arms while they were on their exile of incognito (Agnatavasa). In the earlier days, the kings worshiped this tree before embarking any warfare, to achieve victory in the war. An event called as Panjina Kavayithu (torch-light parade) is held in Bannimantap culminating the festival.

Palace

[caption id="attachment_299" align="alignnone" width="600"] Mysore Palace During Dassehra, Karnataka , India[/caption]

The city of Mysore is worth visiting during Dassehra because of the self-boasting Mysuru Palace. It is a sight not to be missed when it is illuminated for the ten-days long Mysore Dassehra festival. It daily illuminates with nearly 100,000 light bulbs from 7 pm to 10 pm during the festival. To state a trivial, a whopping amount is spent towards the maintenance of its illumination alone every year, ₹10 million to be precise!

Various cultural and religious programs featuring the music, dance, and tableau of the State of Karnataka are performed in front of the illuminated Palace.

Cultural events

[caption id="attachment_304" align="alignnone" width="600"] Mysore Dasara Flower Show[/caption]

People from various parts of India come here during this period to attend the procession and events. Flower Show is organized by the Mysore Zilla at Kuppanna Park where important seminars regarding farmer’s issue and sustainable agriculture are also conducted. Dassehra Exhibition, another major attraction, is also a part of the on-going festive celebration.It takes place in the ground just opposite to the Palace that continues untill December. Eatables, cosmetics, kitchenware, plastic items, clothes etc. are sold in this exhibition. Kusti Spardhe- is one of the many attractions of the festival where wrestlers from various parts of India come and participate. Other events include Dassehra Kite Festival, Yuva Sambhrama, Sports, and many more.

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The Mumbai streets are fully overjoyed in anticipation of someone coming home for 10-days!! Someone so special, so close to heart that every devotee is busy planning their best to welcome Him - Lord Ganesha! It is His birthday and so people of all faiths and beliefs are gearing up to celebrate it. This 10-day-long Ganeshotsav or Ganesh festival is the best time of the year to visit Ganesh festival . While the festival is celebrated with much pomp and joy, the unity and energy of this city is reflected.

You will see that every single neighborhood will have its own Ganpati Mandal with a beautiful Ganesha idol crafted by its skilled artisans. These pandals often have a mythological story-telling theme and beautifully exceptional decoration which changes every year.

So while you take some Pandal-Tour during these 10 days, you cannot miss visiting these famous pandals in Mumbai and Pune.

Lalbaugcha Raja

[caption id="attachment_260" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Lalbaugcha Raja, Mumbai[/caption]

This iconic idol in Mumbai, the King of Lalbaug, was founded in the year 1934. It is known as ‘Navsacha Ganpati’ which means ‘the one who fulfills every wish’ and hence, it draws massive crowd coming from various places to offer prayers. The most attractive part of the idol is that it feels like the Ganpati is looking at you with so much affection.

 

GSB Seva Mandal

[caption id="attachment_263" align="alignnone" width="858"] GSB Seva Mandal, Mumbai[/caption]

Mumbaikars best know this Ganpati as 'Gold Ganpati', it is because the idol is adorn with 60 kg of gold. This mandal was founded by Gowd Saraswat Brahmin community from Karnataka in the year 1954. The sight of this magical idol will definitely leave you awestruck.

 

Khetwadicha Raja

[caption id="attachment_280" align="alignnone" width="600"] Khetwadicha Raja, Mumbai[/caption]

This place is known for its creative themes and beautiful idols in Mumbai. The award-winning pandal was founded in the year 1959 but saw a growing popularity in the masses in 2000. The all-time favorite themes like Sheesh Mahal, Deep Mahal, Swarg Mahal, Raj Mahal, etc. never cease to impress the countless devotees.

 

Andhericha Raja

[caption id="attachment_265" align="alignnone" width="854"] Andhericha Raja, Mumbai[/caption]

Another remarkable place that every devotee must visit is Andhericha Raja. First started by employees of Tata Special Steel in 1966, today this mandal is managed by Azad Nagar Sarvajanik Utsav Samiti. This Ganpati is not only famous for its mesmerizing idol with the entire decoration, but also for the infamous reputation of fulfilling wishes and frequent visits by celebrities, like Lalbaugcha Raja.

 

Girgaoncha Raja

Girgaoncha Raja, Mumbai

 

Girgaoncha Raja, one of those Eco-friendly Ganesh idols in the city, is made of clay. A distinct feature of this pandal is that every year they make an idol that is over 20 feet high. Go and visit this Pandal and witness a unique but beautiful theme idol.

 

Kasba Ganpati

[caption id="attachment_267" align="alignnone" width="800"] Kasba Ganpati, Pune[/caption]

Kasba Ganpati Mandal is considered as the most important Ganpati idol in Pune. The first idol was install by the great Shivaji Maharaj in 1893 and since then it is known as ‘gram daivat’ - the deity of the city.

 

Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati

[caption id="attachment_268" align="alignnone" width="1600"] Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati, Pune[/caption]

Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati, one of the richest in the state, stands 7.5 ft high adorned with 80kg of gold. The trust running the mandal is one of the wealthiest in the country taking care of several social initiatives.

 

Guruji Talim Mandal

[caption id="attachment_269" align="alignnone" width="640"] Guruji Talim Mandal, Pune[/caption]

This magnificent idol is third in line, in terms of popularity and respect, out of the five main Ganpati in Pune. This was the very first Ganpati Mandal, even before the Tilak’s movement, that was started in Pune by both Hindu and Muslim community.

 

Tulsi Baug Ganesh Mandal

[caption id="attachment_270" align="alignnone" width="375"] Tulsi Baug Ganesh Mandal, Pune[/caption]

Tulsi Baug Ganesh Mandal was started in 1901. The idol gets the fourth honor off the prominent five in Pune. This Ganpati is famous for its unique theme which changes every year. The idol stands 15ft high, the tallest in Pune and has a 125kg silver-coated fist.

 

Tambdi Jogeshwari Ganapati

[caption id="attachment_271" align="alignnone" width="1600"] Tambdi Jogeshwari Ganapati, Pune[/caption]

The idol of this Ganpati is red (Tambdi) in color and is located in Jogeshwari temple, hence the name Tambdi Jogeshwari temple! It is the oldest in Pune and local legend says that even Shivaji visited the temple because he believed this Ganpati to be auspicious. Many devotees pay a visit to this one and so this one should be on your list too.

Now that you have the list you know where exactly to go. Visit these beautifully decorated mandals, seek blessing from this cute looking God and scream Ganpati Bappa Morya! (Hail Lord Ganesha)

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The Ganapati Festival is an awaited time of the year for everyone – kids to grandparents. The divinity and grandiosity of the Ganapati Festival makes it to the bucket lists of travelers in India and abroad alike. This festival marks the celebration of the birth of the beloved elephant God – Ganapati, also known as Ganesh, Bappa and many other names. This 11-days carnival is a beautiful festival which marks pompous spectacles on the first and the last day.

Celebrated by the whole Hindu community, this festival is majorly popular in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Goa, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. The most spectacular celebration to watch take place primarily in Mumbai and Pune. Visiting Mumbai during the Ganapati festival is a true delight for travelers to experience its unique warmth and festive streaks of this vibrant city.

Fondly known as the cute elephant God; Ganesh is considered as a symbol of auspiciousness and wisdom and is worshipped for new beginnings and prosperity. Every festival celebrated by a Hindu poses a first worship to this deity; he is also remembered before people undertake a new journey or venture. He is the most popular of Hindu Gods – a favourite of many too!

Although this religious festival was always celebrated in little temples of people’s homes, it became a community affair only after Lokmanya Tilak, a great freedom fighter of India shaped the traditions of Ganesh Chaturthi to make it a public annual affair of celebrations. Hence this occasion became a more popular public event from a pious religious homely one. Today, one can see huge idols placed in tents called – pandals, organized by certain ‘mandals’ – group of people. A few famous pandals are so popular that the entire city gathers up to seek blessings of the Lord here. These pandals are huge, ornately decorated with unusual themes – sometimes telling a story or giving a message, there are queues of visitors, mayhem of positivity, culture, religion, tradition and sheer joy of visiting the elephant God! A few famous ones in Mumbai are – Lalbaug cha Raja, the G.S.B Mandal’s Richest Ganapati, Girgaum cha Raja and many more. In Pune, the Dagdusheth Halwai’s Ganapati celebrations are beautiful and grand, visited by thousands of devotees.

 

Visiting Mumbai during this pompous carnival can give you a burst of experiences – emotional, cultural, traditional, colourful and at the same time feel calm, serene and divine! Make sure not to miss the first and last day of this festival. The first day is celebrated with the Lord’s arrival with a lot of music, drum beats, songs, fire crackers and traditional pooja performances. While the last day has a bittersweet ending – the Lord is bid adieu with a heavy heart, but joyfully expecting his return soon the next year. The last day is known as – Visarjan day when these idols of Ganesh – whether from people’s homes or the big pandals are immersed in water – usually a lake, river or the sea. A procession takes place to take these idols to their immersion spot where the air is filled with celebratory music, songs and cries of Ganapati Bappa Morya ! The visarjan taking place at Girgaum Chowpatty is a must visit during this festival as the whole of the city’s Ganeshas say Good Bye and people return home feeling content of having served their favourite God, awaiting him the nest year.

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