23 August,2019 12:30 PM IST | | mid-day online correspondent
The Khetwadi Cha Raja is said to be one of the most popular Ganesh Idols in Mumbai, Pic/Atul Kamble
With over less than 10 days to go for the festival of Ganesh Chaturthi to begin, citizens in Mumbai have already started to prep for one of the most awaited festivals of the year. This year, the festival of Ganesh Chaturthi will begin on September 2 and will end on September 12, 2019, after a 10-day long of activities.
Chants of "Ganpati Bappa Morya, pudhcya varshi laukar yaa" (come soon next year) will soon fill the air as the festival of Ganesh Chaturthi, which is also called Ganpati festival, will be celebrated on a large scale in Mumbai and across the state of Maharashtra.
During the 10-day long festival, the idols of Lord Ganesha will take residence in homes, pandals and housing societies where they will be kept over a pedestal and will be decorated with lights. Thousands of devotees will throng to several popular pandals across the city. Tejukaya Cha Raja, Ganesh Galli cha Raja, Andheri Cha Raja, Parel Cha Raja, Chinchpokli Cha Raja are some of the most popular Ganesh pandals in Mumbai and just like every year, this year too, they will witness a huge footfall.
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Although the festival is all set to begin in a few days time, citizens in Mumbai were lucky enough to get the first glimpse of one of Mumbai's most famous and one of the oldest Ganesh pandals - Chinchpokli Cha Raja which is also called as Chinchpoklicha Chintamani. This year, the Chinchpoklicha Chintamani will celebrate its centenary year this year.
The Khetwadi Cha Raja is one of the oldest Ganesh pandals in Girgaon, Mumbai and was established way back in 1959. Nearly 19 years ago, the Khetwadi Cha Raja rose to fame when the Khetwadi Cha Raja Sarvajanik Shree Ganeshotsav Mandal built a 40-foot tall Ganesh idol.
The Khetwadi area, which is situated in Girgaon, Grant Road has about 13 lanes and a Ganesh pandal is seen in almost every lane. However, the Ganesh pandal which is located in the 12th lane, also known as the Khetwadi cha Raja, is said to be the most popular among all of them.
Watch video on Five Ganpati Pandals which you must definitely visit in Mumbai
Location:
The Khetwadi Cha Raja is located in the 12th lane of the Khetwadi area, Girgaon, Grant Road. While going there, devotees must note that there are 13 lanes in Khetwadi with every lane having its Ganesh idol. However, one must keep in mind that Khetwadi Cha Raja is situated in the 12th lane of Khetwadi and is also called as the 12th lane Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal.
How to reach there:
If you are travelling by train, the nearest railway station for Khetwadi Cha Raja is Grant Road station on the Western line. Charni Road station is also an alternate option that one can take in order to visit Khetwadi Cha Raja. But, if you are planning to get down at Charni Road, then remember to take a taxi or a bus as the distance from the station to the Khetwadi pandal is about 15 minutes.
One can also visit the Khetwadi Cha Raja by BEST buses, cabs, own vehicles, and private cabs as well. BEST buses from Charni Road railway station are easily accessible and will take you to the Khetwadi Cha Raja Ganesh pandal.
Also Read: Ganesh Chaturthi 2019: Your guide to Ganesh Galli Cha Raja pandal in Mumbai
Points to remember:
Khetwadi Cha Raja is located in Khetwadi which houses 12 more Ganesh idols besides Kahtwadi Cha Raja. The Khetwadi Cha Raja is one of the oldest Ganesh pandals in Girgaon and is visited by thousands of devotees every day during the festival of Ganesh Chaturthi. As a visitor, you must be careful and are advised to take care of your personal belongings.
Ganesh pandal: Khetwadi Cha Raja
Address: 12th Lane Khetwadi, Girgaon
How to reach: The nearest railway stations are Grant Road, Charni Road. The pandal is also accessible by road and public transports
Also Read: Ganesh Chaturthi 2018: 10 popular pandals in Mumbai that you should definitely visit!
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