Ganeshotsav 2024: Tracing the Route of Mumbai's First Community Visarjan Procession

A Journey Through History

The Ganeshotsav festival is a time of great celebration in Mumbai, India, and the city's first community visarjan procession holds a special place in its history. This procession, which began in 1892, has become an integral part of the festival, and its route has evolved over the years to reflect the city's changing landscape. The inaugural procession began at Keshavji Naik Chawl in Girgaum and ended at Girgaum Chowpatty. However, in 1893, the procession was extended to include stops at Babulnath and Walkeshwar temples. By 1905, the procession had grown so large that it was divided into two routes, one ending at Chowpatty and the other at Juhu Beach.

The 1909 procession was a watershed moment, as it was the first to be led by a municipal official. This marked the beginning of the city's formal involvement in the festival, and the procession has been organized by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) ever since.

A Changing Landscape

Over the years, Mumbai's cityscape has changed dramatically, and the route of the visarjan procession has had to adapt accordingly. In 1963, the construction of the Bandra-Worli Sea Link led to the closure of the route to Juhu Beach.

In 2010, the BMC introduced a new route for the procession, which included a stop at the newly constructed Dadar Beach. This route has been followed ever since, and it has become a popular destination for Mumbaikars to witness the visarjan.

A Cultural Heritage

The visarjan procession is not just a religious event but also a cultural heritage. It is a time for Mumbaikars to come together and celebrate their shared history and traditions.

The procession is also a testament to the city's resilience. Despite the challenges posed by a changing landscape, the procession has continued to thrive, and it remains one of the most important events in Mumbai's cultural calendar.

Frequently Asked Questions

* **When is the visarjan procession held?** The visarjan procession is held on the tenth day of Ganeshotsav, which falls on September 19, 2024. * **What is the route of the procession?** The route of the procession begins at Lalbaugcha Raja and ends at Girgaum Chowpatty. It passes through some of Mumbai's most iconic landmarks, including Babulnath Temple, Walkeshwar Temple, and Dadar Beach. * **How can I participate in the procession?** You can participate in the procession by joining one of the many groups that take part. You can also watch the procession from the sidelines.