Bappa blesses commuters: An idol of Lord Ganpati makes a grand entry through the busy streets of Parel amid regular traffic

Residents lean out of their windows to catch a glimpse of their favourite deity and seek his blessings

The idols were welcomed with firecrackers, flower petals, dance, and music

An idol of Lord Ganpati moves past a bus near the Curry Road bridge as devotees and a traffic policeman look on during the aagman in Parel

The Lalbaug-Parel area is home to some of Mumbai’s most iconic and popular Ganpati pandals. This historic neighbourhood, once the heart of the city’s mill district, hosts legendary mandals such as Lalbaugcha Raja, Mumbaicha Raja (Ganesh Galli), Chinchpoklicha Chintamani, and Parelcha Raja

Commuters capture their favourite deity on camera as awestruck Mumbaikars bring traffic to a standstill

All wishes granted, big and small: A child prays to Bappa on a bike as he makes his way through the crowd of devotees

Devotees form a human pyramid, reminiscent of Dahi Handi celebrations, to welcome Bappa

The 10-day Ganesh Chaturthi festivities will begin on September 14, with grand celebrations witnessed every year across Mumbai and the rest of Maharashtra

Mumbaikars break into dance as their beloved Bappa makes his way home

Lord Ganesha is considered the remover of obstacles and the god of wisdom and new beginnings. Mumbaikars believe that he fulfils the wishes of his devotees. Beyond its religious significance, Ganesh Chaturthi in Mumbai is a powerful expression of community bonding, cultural pride, and collective celebration that cuts across class and neighbourhoods, turning the entire city into one giant pandal of faith and joy.