MUMBAI: The city of Mumbai has come alive with vibrant celebrations as the much-anticipated 10-day Ganesh Chaturthi began in Maharashtra on Saturday, with idols of the deity being installed in homes and at public pandals across the state. Mumbaikars especially welcomed Lord Ganesha amid chants of 'Ganpati Bappa Morya, Mangal Murti Morya' and aartis of ‘Sukh Karta Dukh Harta’ resonating throughout the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR).

Families who install smaller idols of Lord Ganesh stepped out of their houses early in the morning to bring their beloved deity into their homes amid chants of "Ganpati Bappa Morya," in processions that included everyone, from children to elderly members. It is estimated that over 4 lakh idols will be installed in the MMR alone, with the entire state of Maharashtra seeing more than 10 lakh idols set up for the occasion.

The administration has ensured that enhanced security measures are in place, with the Mumbai Police and local authorities implementing extensive steps to ensure the safety and smooth conduct of the festivities. Traffic management plans are in place, and additional personnel have been deployed to manage the large crowds and processions.

The city wore a festive look at the major Ganesh mandaps, which include the most famous ones: the Lalbaugcha Raja at Lalbaug and Siddhivinayak Temple, which witnessed large crowds, with devotees lining up to catch a glimpse of their beloved deity. Some of the other famous Ganesh mandaps, which see huge crowds throng for the darshan, include the GSB Seva Mandal at Matunga-Kings’ Circle, GSB Sarvajanik Ganeshutsav Samiti at Wadala, Ganesh Gully and Tejukaya Mandal at Lalbaug, the Sahyadri Cha Raja at Tilak Nagar, Chembur, Shri BalGopal GaneshUtsav Mandal at Marine Lines, and Fort Vibhag Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal in the Fort area of Mumbai city.

The 10-day festival will culminate with the grand visarjan (immersion) ceremony, where idols of Lord Ganesha will be carried in processions to various water bodies, marking the deity's return to his celestial abode.