07 September,2026 07:40 PM IST | Mumbai | Anushree Gaikwad
GSB Seva Mandal Ganpati 2025. File Pic
Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 begins on September 14, and Mumbai's iconic Ganpati mandals are expected to attract large crowds of devotees throughout the festival.
Among the city's prominent GSB (Gowd Saraswat Brahmin) Ganeshotsav celebrations, the GSB Seva Mandal at King's Circle in Matunga and the GSB Sarvajanik Ganeshotsava Samiti in Wadala remain important destinations for devotees planning their darshan itinerary.
While the King's Circle mandal is known for its lavishly adorned Ganpati idol and traditional rituals, the Wadala samiti is celebrating its 72nd year with special seva and pooja arrangements.
Here's how devotees can reach both venues and what to expect during Ganeshotsav 2026.
Where is the GSB Ganpati located?
The GSB Seva Mandal Ganpati is installed at the G.S.B. Sports Club Ground, near S.N.D.T. Women's College on R.A. Kidwai Road, King's Circle, Matunga.
Established in 1954 by the Gowd Saraswat Brahmin community, the mandal is known for its gold and silver-adorned idol and traditional South Indian-style worship, including Vedic chants, bhajans and temple instruments.
How to reach by train
Local trains are among the easiest ways to reach the venue.
King's Circle station on the Harbour Line and Matunga station on the Central Line are both around a five-to-10-minute walk from the pandal.
Those travelling on the Harbour Line can alight at King's Circle, while Central Line commuters can get off at Matunga and walk towards R.A. Kidwai Road.
How to reach by road
The venue can be accessed by taxi or auto-rickshaw, with SNDT Women's College serving as a useful landmark. However, parking near the pandal is expected to be limited during peak festival hours.
What to expect
The GSB Seva Mandal Ganpati is traditionally installed for a shorter duration than the entire Ganesh festival. Devotees should therefore check the mandal's schedule before planning their visit.
Where is Wadala GSB Ganpati located?
The Wadala GSB Ganpati is installed at Dwarakanath Bhavan, Shree Ram Mandir Complex, Katrak Road, Wadala, Mumbai.
The samiti is celebrating its 72nd Ganeshotsav in 2026 under the theme "72 Years of Devotion, 72 Years of Tradition, One Divine Celebration." The celebrations will run from September 14 to September 25.
How to reach by train
Wadala Road station on the Harbour Line is around a 12-minute walk from the venue.
Visitors can also use Dadar, Prabhadevi or Parel stations, depending on their preferred route, and continue by foot or local transport.
How to reach by metro and bus
The Wadala-Dadar area is connected by Mumbai's public transport network, including BEST buses. Visitors using the Metro can also combine their journey with a short walk or local transport ride to the temple complex.
How to reach by road
The venue can be reached by taxi or auto-rickshaw from the Dadar-Wadala stretch. Dadar TT Circle and Maheshwari Udyan are useful landmarks while travelling by road.
The Wadala samiti has announced several seva options, including Suvarna Arpan Seva, Raupya Arpan Seva, Suvarna Durva Arpan Seva and Sampoorna Ganeshotsava Seva.
Morning pooja slots will be available at 7 am, 8 am, 9 am, 10 am and 11 am. No poojas will be conducted on September 22, when Ekadashi will be observed.
Devotees participating in seva have been advised to arrive at least 30 minutes before their scheduled slot. Late arrivals may have their pooja performed on their behalf by the designated Vaidik priest.
Mumbai's GSB Seva Mandal at King's Circle has secured an insurance cover of Rs 703.27 crore for its Ganeshotsav 2026 celebrations.
The mandal, popularly regarded as one of Mumbai's wealthiest Ganpati mandals, has increased its insurance cover significantly compared with previous years. The cover stood at Rs 474 crore in 2025 and Rs 400 crore in 2024.
Dr Bhujang Pai, Convenor of GSB Seva Mandal, said the insurance was intended to protect devotees and the valuable ornaments and other assets associated with the celebrations.
The MahaGanpati idol will be decorated with more than 66 kg of gold ornaments and over 335 kg of silver, along with precious gemstones.
According to Pai, several of these ornaments and valuables have been donated by devotees and sevadars over the years.
The rising prices of gold and silver are among the key reasons for the increase in the overall valuation and insurance cover.
The deity is popularly revered as âNavsala Pavnara Vishwacha Raja', meaning the King of the Universe who fulfils devotees' wishes.
In 2025, the mandal announced its insurance cover of Rs 474.46 crore for its 71st Ganeshotsav celebrations.
The massive cover was arranged with The New India Insurance Co Ltd and included protection for the idol's ornaments, public liability, fire and earthquake risks, venue premises and personal accident insurance for thousands of volunteers and staff.
Of the total Rs 474.46 crore, Rs 67.03 crore was secured for gold, silver and jewellery, while the public liability is insured up to Rs 30 crore.
The largest share, amounting to Rs 375 crore, was dedicated to personal accident insurance for volunteers, cooks, workers, and security guards engaged in the celebrations.
Those looking for Mumbai's famed, lavishly decorated GSB Ganpati can include King's Circle in Matunga in their darshan trail. Devotees seeking scheduled poojas and seva during a full festival period can visit the Wadala GSB Samiti, which is marking its 72nd year.
Both venues are well connected by Mumbai's suburban railway network, making them relatively easy to include in a central Mumbai Ganpati trail. Given the expected crowds, local trains are likely to be more convenient than private vehicles, especially during evening hours and closer to visarjan on September 25.
