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IN PHOTOS: Ganeshotsav 2026 rush as Mumbaikars board MSRTC buses to Konkan for Bappa

Updated On: 12 September, 2026 01:50 PM IST | Anushree Gaikwad

As the city gears up for Ganeshotsav 2026, Passengers are making their way to the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) depot at Mumbai Central in South Mumbai, with bags, suitcases and children in tow, to board buses bound for their native places. For many living in Mumbai, Thane and Pune, the annual journey home is an integral part of the festival. (PICS/ ASHISH RAJE)

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The biggest rush is towards the Konkan belt, with Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg and Raigad among the preferred destinations. (PICS/ ASHISH RAJE)
The biggest rush is towards the Konkan belt, with Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg and Raigad among the preferred destinations. (PICS/ ASHISH RAJE)
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Several passengers also head to towns and villages across Western Maharashtra to celebrate the festival with their families
Several passengers also head to towns and villages across Western Maharashtra to celebrate the festival with their families
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For these travellers, the MSRTC buses, affectionately known as ‘Lal Pari’, are more than just public transport. They are a crucial link between Mumbai and the smaller towns and villages where many families have their ancestral homes
For these travellers, the MSRTC buses, affectionately known as ‘Lal Pari’, are more than just public transport. They are a crucial link between Mumbai and the smaller towns and villages where many families have their ancestral homes
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At Mumbai Central, the festive rush is hard to miss. Passengers arrive well in advance of their scheduled departures, carrying luggage packed for several days at home. Families travelling together jostle through the depot, while others wait patiently for their buses, eager to begin the annual trip
At Mumbai Central, the festive rush is hard to miss. Passengers arrive well in advance of their scheduled departures, carrying luggage packed for several days at home. Families travelling together jostle through the depot, while others wait patiently for their buses, eager to begin the annual trip
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In Konkan, Ganeshotsav has a charm of its own — rooted in tradition, simplicity and the warmth of coming home. Across villages in Ratnagiri, Kudal, Chiplun and Sindhudurg, preparations begin days before Bappa arrives, with homes being cleaned, decorated and filled with the aroma of traditional festive food
In Konkan, Ganeshotsav has a charm of its own — rooted in tradition, simplicity and the warmth of coming home. Across villages in Ratnagiri, Kudal, Chiplun and Sindhudurg, preparations begin days before Bappa arrives, with homes being cleaned, decorated and filled with the aroma of traditional festive food
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With demand for travel rising during the festive season, MSRTC buses remain an important option for passengers
With demand for travel rising during the festive season, MSRTC buses remain an important option for passengers
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The extensive ST network connects Mumbai with towns and villages that can otherwise be difficult to reach directly
The extensive ST network connects Mumbai with towns and villages that can otherwise be difficult to reach directly
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For some passengers, the journey begins the moment they step into the red bus at Mumbai Central. Conversations about preparations at home, festival plans and relatives waiting at the other end fill the ride with anticipation.
For some passengers, the journey begins the moment they step into the red bus at Mumbai Central. Conversations about preparations at home, festival plans and relatives waiting at the other end fill the ride with anticipation.

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