14 September,2026 10:45 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray visited Raj Thackeray’s residence, ‘Shivtirth’, along with his wife, Rashmi Thackeray, and son, Aaditya Thackeray. Pic/X
Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray and Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray marked Ganeshotsav 2026 in Mumbai, while Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis urged people to celebrate the 11-day festival in a traditional manner and keep pollution to a minimum.
Fadnavis welcomed Lord Ganesha at his official residence, âVarsha', in south Mumbai and offered prayers for the peace and prosperity of Maharashtra. He also prayed for the state's farmers and the well-being of its people.
"May Vighnaharta, the remover of obstacles, bring happiness, peace and prosperity to our country, state, people and farmers," Fadnavis said.
He appealed to citizens to minimise pollution during the festivities and follow traditional ways of celebrating the festival.
The Chief Minister's appeal comes amid calls for restrictions on the use of high-decibel DJ sound systems during the Ganesh festival.
The use of loud music and sound systems during public celebrations has been a subject of concern, with calls for the festivities to be conducted in a way that protects the environment and avoids excessive noise.
Meanwhile, Raj Thackeray welcomed a Lord Ganesha idol at his residence, âShivtirth', in Dadar.
Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray, Raj Thackeray's cousin, also visited âShivtirth' along with his wife Rashmi Thackeray and son Aaditya Thackeray, a former Maharashtra minister.
Uddhav Thackeray and his family later visited the famous Lalbaugcha Raja Mandal and Ganesh Galli Mandal in Mumbai.
The family offered prayers and sought the blessings of Lord Ganesha as devotees across the city marked the beginning of the 11-day festival with religious ceremonies and public celebrations.
From the busy and narrow lanes of Lalbaug in central Mumbai to neighbourhoods across the city, the festive spirit was visible everywhere. Streets were filled with devotees, music and colourful decorations as communities prepared to celebrate the arrival of the deity.
Elaborately decorated pandals, featuring intricate artwork and creative themes, added to the festive atmosphere. These temporary structures have become an important part of Mumbai's annual Ganeshotsav celebrations.
The arrival of Lord Ganesha transforms Mumbai into a city-wide celebration, with families and communities coming together to offer prayers and take part in festivities.
The Ganesh festival is usually marked by devotion, cultural programmes and public celebrations, bringing together people from different parts of the city and Maharashtra in a shared spirit of faith and celebration.
