Ganesh Chaturthi 2023: The ultimate Ganpati décor guide in Mumbai

The countdown for Mumbai's favourite festival has begun! A pulsating buzz has draped the island city in orange hues and rhythmic dhol beats. Mumbaikars are gearing up for Bappa's grand worship, as intricate clay idols firm up to embody the elephant-headed deity. Emerging as one of the most revered festivals of the subcontinent, Ganesh Chaturthi is a ten-day event celebrating the birth of Ganesha - the Hindu god of prosperity and wisdom.

It's that time of the year when Mumbai truly comes alive, adorned with splendid decorations, vibrant processions, and an atmosphere thick with devotion. As the city prepares for the joyous occasion, it's time for people to flock to legacy markets and score the best finds for Ganpati decoration. The checklist is wide and endowed with a myriad of décor items, ranging from Ganesha idols, garlands, lamps, and curtains to Rangoli colours and beyond.

Popular opinion indicates high levels of festive excitement. To aid you with festive shopping tips, Midday.com scoured the length and breadth of Mumbai to curate a guide on the finest décor pieces for Ganesh Chaturthi in Mumbai.

Curated ornates at Crawford Market

This one needs no introduction. Crawford Market is a singular marketplace phenomenon that has served the people of Bombay since the 1800s. Come Ganpati, and people from far ends arrive here to fulfill their shopping needs. Grishma Udyawar, a Ganpati devotee from Mumbai, walks us through the lanes of the wholesale shops in Crawford Market.

As we enter, we are captivated by the yellow and orange-drenched shops that start at the beginning of the market lane and extend till the end of the vision. With diverse colours and varieties of flower garlands, also known as ‘toran', shoppers can choose between buying the simple ones priced at only Rs 50 or the more whimsical ones priced at Rs 100. Designed especially for Ganpati pooja, these dazzling garlands can be availed at a steal deal.

Next to garlands, sit exquisite flowers which form an essential décor accessory. While Hibiscus holds deep significance for Ganesha's worship, one can find artificial varieties at throwaway prices. From a bunch of roses, lilies and rajnigandha to individual stems of every flower you could think of, adorn the streets. These stems can be availed at a starting price of Rs 20 going up till Rs 400 for bouquet curations.

For those who are yet to buy the ‘Makhar' (The holy structure where the idol is placed for worship), one can find exciting options to choose from on the streets of Crawford Market. The makhar designers have gone a notch higher to cover the structure with flowers in diverse shades, that are priced at Rs 500 (yes, you can bargain).

Where: Dhobi Talao, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus Area, Fort
When: 10 am to 8 pm, closed on Sundays

Decor heaven at Dadar Market

Dadar's own version of Crawford Market - the Kirtikar market, stands as the ultimate destination for all your Ganpati decoration needs. Situated in the bustling heart of the city, coincidentally close to the primary location of Ganpati pandals, this market is a hub for an extensive array of decor items. From synthetic blooms to jewellery fit for Bappa, you'll discover a comprehensive range of offerings all conveniently available in one place.

For Priyanka Naik, a resident of Andheri East, Ganpati shopping is synonymous with an annual trip to Dadar's historic market, located next to the station. Her shopping roster comprises wall hangings, Ganesha idols, pagdi, bells and floral décor. Following her lead, we arrive at Geeta Alankar - a décor stop in the interiors of Dadar market.

Swastik-adorned streamers, threads of Marigolds, Lavender mazes and bell hangings can be spotted left, right and center at this shop. Upon inquiry, we found that a pair of golden hangings with lights and marigold streamers can be availed at Rs 100. While heavier hangings with door-length-sized items fall in the range of Rs 250-400. Another stop for fancy floral and artificial twigs can be scored at Mahila vastu Bhandar.

An unmissable sight awaits shoppers at this market. Scores of intricately crafted Ganpati idols have blanketed the streets of Dadar. From sizes as tall as 24 inches to as short as 6 inches are up for sale in a wide colour spectrum. The price range for these idols is Rs 650 to Rs 3000 for the tallest Ganpati. Additionally, pieces of decorative jewellery like necklaces are up for grabs.

A small walk ahead brings us to ‘Family Stores' which gives stiff competition to makhars found at Crawford Market. With gallus colours and unique motifs like peacocks with unfurled wings, Om centered within sun flames and hibiscus couplets - The creativity sparked a prolonged gaze and a sudden urge to make a purchase. These were priced in the range of Rs 800-3500.

Where: Doctor D Silva Road, Dadar West
When: 10 am to 9 pm, closed on Mondays

Vibrant kits at Vile Parle Market

Ganesh Chaturthi holds a special place in the hearts of Mumbaikars. Once, the Ganpati idols are unveiled, they will become the focal point of a 10-day celebration filled with cultural festivities, religious rituals, and communal gatherings, starting on September 19 this year. With a heavy Maharashtrian and Gujarati diaspora in Vile Parle, we delved into the tapestry of traditions at this traditional corner of Mumbai.

Vile Parle hosts a décor market right outside the East station. In addition to flowers and lights, this market is a treasure trove of various trinkets and decorations, including stands or "paatts" for placing Lord Ganesha. Additionally, an assortment of craft materials and DIY decoration kits are on display, should you intend to craft your own decor.

Vile Parle Market is not just about the basics; it caters to the finer details of Ganpati decoration. Kavita parab, a resident of Thane, comes all the way here for all things Ganpati. "My creativity is fueled by the impressive selection of rangoli supplies, a wide spectrum of coloured powders, stencils, and tools that I need to welcome the deity."

Nana Bandre, a décor seller sits at his fragrant shop with one of the biggest floral makhars that we found on our hunt. Adorned with purple and white lilies, this makhar comes with a radius of approximately 30 centimeter and is priced at Rs 3500. He informs Midday, "Every year, we are graced with loyal patrons who come to buy artificial flowers as well as the real ones. However, the top pick is always the Marigold streamers."

As we delve deeper into the market lane, we see a splendid variety of Ganesha idols, ranging from intricate clay creations to elegant metal figurines. These idols came in various sizes and poses, to cater to varied needs of devotees for their homes or pandals. In addition to the idols, the market offered an abundance of ornate jewellery fit for adorning Lord Ganesha like - crowns, necklaces, and armlets ranging between Rs 50-200.

Where: Opposite Vile Parle Station, Vile Parle East
When: 10 am to 8 pm

Luminous lights at Lokhandwala Complex

A relatively new center for Ganpati decor shopping has sprouted up in Lokhandwala complex, Andheri West. Upon arrival, we discover that retailers and shopkeepers have caught the wind and rolled out essential items that devotees seek for Puja. Diving into the market lanes, we hear the echo "Ganpati Bappa Morya!" from two homeless kids who stroll the streets with peacock feathers in their hands.

The floral décor is noticeably distinct at Lokhandwala. The artificial Marigold flowers are bigger and wall hangings are taller - sure enough to grab the eyeballs. However, with big size comes inflated prices. A couple of flower hangings cost Rs 1250 which is a significant rise from other traditional markets. The market also offers an abundance of colourful and fragrant flowers, both fresh and artificial, perfect for crafting DIY decorations.

The by-lanes stand adorned with enormous torans or flower garlands, small Ganpati figurines, exquisite pieces of jewelleries, vibrant fabrics and bold Makhar designs. It's worth noting that the decor items here are priced at nearly five times the wholesale rates you'd find at Crawford or Dadar markets. However, the attractive grabs to be found here are the fairy lights and LED lights available in a wide array of colours.

Where: Lokhandwala Complex, Andheri West
When: 11 am to 9 pm

Treasures at Jambli Naka, Thane

Jambli Naka in Thane is a bustling hub for all things Ganpati, offering an impressive range of decor items that cater to every aspect of the festive celebrations. As you stroll through the market, you'll find intricately crafted Ganesha idols in various sizes and materials, including clay and Plaster of Paris (PoP), with prices starting from as low as Rs 500 for smaller idols and going up to Rs 5,000 or more for larger, more ornate pieces.

In addition to idols, sheen fabrics in pink, orange and yellow hues are up for grabs at Rs 70. Jambli Naka also provides an array of decorative accessories like jewellery for Ganesha, such as crowns, necklaces, and armlets, with prices ranging from Rs 100 to Rs 500. The market brims with vibrant and fragrant flowers, both fresh and artificial, suitable for crafting stunning garlands and decorations.

Where: Jambli Naka, Thane West
When: 11 am to 9 pm