11 September,2026 09:06 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
For this year`s Ganeshotsav decor, the Bandra mandal has studied various architectural elements of the temple, including its shikhara, Sabhamandap, intricate carvings and surrounding landscape, to create a detailed replica. PIC/BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
Mumbaikars will get a glimpse of the architectural grandeur of Gujarat's famous Somnath Temple in Bandra during the Ganeshotsav 2026 festivities, with the Bandra West Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal creating a detailed replica of the historic temple as this year's pandal decor.
The initiative is part of the mandal's ongoing tradition of showcasing replicas of prominent religious and historic sites from across India during Ganeshotsav. The 2026 decor has been conceptualised by Maharashtra Minister for Cultural Affairs and Mumbai Suburban District Guardian Minister Ashish Shelar, who is also the mandal's founder and advisor.
Ganeshotsav will be celebrated from September 14 to 25 this year.
Mandal president Jitendra Raut said the initiative aims to introduce Mumbaikars to India's historical, religious, and architectural heritage through the city's annual festival.
Located at Prabhas Patan in Gujarat's Saurashtra region along the Arabian Sea, the Somnath Temple is regarded as the first among the 12 Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple has been rebuilt several times following historical invasions.
After Independence, its reconstruction received impetus from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, and the temple was reconsecrated in 1951.
For this year's Ganeshotsav decor, the Bandra mandal has studied various architectural elements of the temple, including its shikhara, Sabhamandap, intricate carvings and surrounding landscape, to create a detailed replica.
According to the mandal, the installation is intended to give devotees an opportunity to experience the architectural features of Somnath in Mumbai.
The elaborate illumination around the pandal will be another attraction during the festival, with the mandal saying its lighting arrangements draw significant interest from young visitors every year.
The Somnath Temple replica continues the Bandra West Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal's tradition of using its festival décor to showcase prominent religious sites.
In previous years, the mandal has created replicas of the Sai Baba Temple in Shirdi, Shri Tulja Bhavani Temple in Tuljapur, Shri Vitthal-Rukmini Temple in Pandharpur, Kedarnath Temple, and Shri Shantadurga Temple in Goa.
The mandal said the initiative is aimed at using Ganeshotsav as a platform to introduce visitors to India's culture, spirituality, history and architectural heritage, beyond the celebrations and entertainment associated with the festival.
The 2026 installation will also highlight the history of the Somnath Temple, its association with Lord Shiva and its architectural features.
Raut said the decor seeks to encourage visitors to view religious sites not only as places of faith, but also as repositories of history, art, architecture, and cultural traditions.
The mandal hopes the initiative will help generate greater awareness of Somnath Temple and encourage interest in India's religious and cultural tourism.
