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From Chintamani to Dongri cha Raja: Famous Lord Ganesh idols take shape at Mumbai's Parel workshop

Updated On: 07 September, 2026 04:32 PM IST | Anushree Gaikwad

As Mumbai gears up for its biggest festival, Ganesh Chaturthi 2026, the city's famous Ganesh mandals and idol makers are racing against time to complete preparations for the much-awaited annual Ganeshotsav. Amid the festive rush, the Parel railway workshop has once again turned into a hub of activity, with several prominent Ganesh idols taking shape ahead of their journey to their respective pandals. (PICS/ ANUSHREE GAIKWAD)

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Located in central Mumbai, the Parel workshop is known for its association with the making and preparation of several iconic Ganesh idols. (PICS/ ANUSHREE GAIKWAD)
Located in central Mumbai, the Parel workshop is known for its association with the making and preparation of several iconic Ganesh idols. (PICS/ ANUSHREE GAIKWAD)
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Every year, artisans and workers spend weeks carefully crafting, painting and finishing idols that will become the centrepiece of celebrations across the city
Every year, artisans and workers spend weeks carefully crafting, painting and finishing idols that will become the centrepiece of celebrations across the city
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Among the prominent idols associated with the workshop are Chinchpokli’s Chintamani, Chandanwadi Cha Raja, Kalachowki Cha Mahaganpati, Khetwadi Ganpati and Dongri Cha Raja, besides several other well-known Ganesh idols that draw thousands of devotees during the festival
Among the prominent idols associated with the workshop are Chinchpokli’s Chintamani, Chandanwadi Cha Raja, Kalachowki Cha Mahaganpati, Khetwadi Ganpati and Dongri Cha Raja, besides several other well-known Ganesh idols that draw thousands of devotees during the festival
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With the countdown to Ganesh Chaturthi underway, the workshop has become a hive of activity
With the countdown to Ganesh Chaturthi underway, the workshop has become a hive of activity
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From sculpting and detailing to painting and ornamentation, every stage requires precision and patience
From sculpting and detailing to painting and ornamentation, every stage requires precision and patience
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Artisans work for long hours to ensure that the idols are completed on time, while maintaining the intricate detailing that has become synonymous with Mumbai’s famous Ganeshotsav traditions
Artisans work for long hours to ensure that the idols are completed on time, while maintaining the intricate detailing that has become synonymous with Mumbai’s famous Ganeshotsav traditions
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The preparation of a large Ganesh idol is a meticulous process that combines traditional craftsmanship, patience and artistic skill
The preparation of a large Ganesh idol is a meticulous process that combines traditional craftsmanship, patience and artistic skill
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For Mumbai’s idol makers and mandal organisers, the festival is not merely an annual celebration but a tradition passed down through generations
For Mumbai’s idol makers and mandal organisers, the festival is not merely an annual celebration but a tradition passed down through generations
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Each idol carries the artistic vision of its makers as well as the emotional connection of the devotees who welcome it into their neighbourhoods
Each idol carries the artistic vision of its makers as well as the emotional connection of the devotees who welcome it into their neighbourhoods

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