New Delhi: As India celebrates Ganesh Chaturthi 2026, millions of people step out of their homes to visit pandals to mark the occasion. From iconic Lalbaugcha
Raja to Kahiratbad Ganesh and much-loved Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati, the spirit of the festive season fills the air.
Maharashtra may be at the centre of the grand Ganeshotsav celebrations, but the festival looks different across the country. In Mumbai, thousands of devotees head to Lalbaugcha Raja, while Pune celebrates around the much-loved Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati.
Are you planning a Ganesh Chaturthi trip in 2026? These six destinations give you a chance to see the festival from very different perspectives.
1. Mumbai, Maharashtra: Lalbaugcha Raja
If you are in Mumbai during Ganesh Chaturthi, Lalbaugcha Raja is a must-visit. The iconic idol has been a part of the city’s Ganeshotsav celebrations since 1934 and draws devotees from across the globe for darshan.
If you have time on your hands, visit the Siddhivinayak Temple in Prabhadevi, one of Mumbai’s most revered Ganesha temples.
2. Pune, Maharashtra: Shrimant Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati
Pune’s Shrimant Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati is right at the heart of the celebrations. During the festival, devotees gather for darshan, and the streets around the temple take on a festive mood.
3. Hyderabad, Telangana: Khairatabad Ganesh
Khairatabad Ganesh celebrations are famous for their towering Ganesh idols, which have become one of the most striking sights of the festival. This year, the committee has announced a 69-foot Panchamukha Sankatahara Maha Ganapati for Ganesh Chaturthi 2026.
4. Kanipakam, Andhra Pradesh: Sri Varasiddhi Vinayaka Swamy Temple
Not everyone wants a crowded celebration. Some travellers may prefer to spend Ganesh Chaturthi in a place where the focus is more firmly on prayer and pilgrimage. The Sri Varasiddhi Vinayaka Swamy Temple is known for its self-manifested idol of Lord Ganesha and is an important Vinayaka pilgrimage destination in Andhra Pradesh.
5. Ganpatipule, Maharashtra: Swayambhu Ganpati
Ganpatipule is an option for travellers who want a little bit of spirituality along with a scenic getaway. The town is home to the Swayambhu Ganpati Temple, where a naturally formed idol is worshipped as a sacred manifestation of Lord Ganesha.
6. Goa: Chovoth
Ganesh Chaturthi has a distinctly different feel in Goa, where it is known as Chovoth. One tradition that really stands out is the matoli. A canopy is placed above the Ganpati idol and decorated with seasonal fruits, vegetables and forest produce. It is a lovely part of the celebrations and gives Chovoth its own identity.
