The festival of Ganeshotsav, that has been a part of the tradition of Maharashtra, celebrates the birthday of Lord Ganesha, the son of Goddess Parvati. The festival usually lasts ten days after which the idol of the Lord is taken for the customary immersion or Visarjan.

As every year, the festival was celebrated for five days at M.A. Math, Nerul, beginning on Thursday, 17th September, the day of Chaturthi. The Vigraha Sthapana (installation of Lord Ganesha’s idol) at 11 a.m. concluded with the Arati, which was attended by devotees from all parts of the city. This was followed by the chanting of the Vinayaka Ashtothari and singing of a few Ganesha bhajans.

The Arati was performed on all the festive days at 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. Devotees arrived in groups and participated in the celebrations with devotion and reverence. A rich spread of sweets was placed as offerings to the benevolent Lord of wisdom. A bhajan session by a local folk music troupe added that extra flavor to the occasion.

On the fifth day, after the Arati, the Lord’s idol, beautifully bedecked with flower garlands, was taken for Visarjan (final immersion) to the nearby pond, amidst loud chants of ‘Ganpati Bappa Morya’, ‘Pudchya varshi laukar yaa!’ With this, devotees bade farewell to Lord Ganesha, imploring Him to be back next year!