Places that Celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi Other than Maharashtra with Zeal!

All of us know Ganesh Chaturthi as one of the prominent festivals of Maharashtra but do you know the grandeur of the festival does not only stop here? The festival spreads its charm also in other parts of the country and this year, we are aiming to bring out those lesser-known cultures from other parts of India. So, let's learn together about the Ganpati rituals beyond the ones we are aware of. 

Bengaluru, Karnataka

The celebrations of Ganesh Chaturthi here are not quite the same as other places as they involve an event called, 'Swarna Gouri Vratam or Gouri Habba'. The amazing part about the festival here is that not only do people celebrate it in their homes but the city also hosts a lot of processions and pandals at various locations. Of all popular celebrations, the Ganesh Utsava of APS College Grounds in Basavanagudi finds a special mention for the city dwellers. It is a 10-day affair that also features a lot of performances by various artists!

Goa 

Close to Maharashtra, Goa is another state known for celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi in its own unique way. The wooden canopy, known as 'Matoli,' is adorned with flowers, seasonal vegetables, and fruits. People formally install a clay idol before placing the god's idol on the altar. In Goa, local mandals are organized in places like Panjim and Quepem, and there is great enthusiasm surrounding the festival.

Hyderabad, Telangana 

The city of Hyderabad hosts the Khairatabad Ganesh, a mammoth idol that can reach up to 60 feet in height. In addition to the idol, the immersion procession is a major event that attracts a lot of attention. Pandals like Balapur Ganesh Utsav and Uppal Kalan Ganesh Utsav offer a rich cultural experience.

Chennai, Tamil Nadu

While it is not a great affair in Chennai, the spirit of the festival is just alive in places like Parthasarathy Temple, Kapaleeswarar Temple, and the Vadapalani Murugan Temple. The city has its own blend of South Indian traditions mixed with the traditional Ganesh Chaturthi rituals that are followed here. 

Odisha

Odia people celebrate this festival on a large scale and it is also a public holiday for the state. There are various regional influences to the festival that Odia people follow about worshipping the god. More than the local pandals, the state is popular for celebrating it in the schools and colleges. 

Jaipur, Rajasthan

The only city that can add the royal touch to the celebrations is Jaipur and it does it so well! The Moti Dungri temple in Jaipur comes to extreme beauty during this festival and one should visit it once surely! There are a lot of processions that are carried out in the historical streets and are a treat to watch!