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In Photos: Parelcha Raja’s Warkari-themed Ganesha steals the spotlight on Day 9

Updated On: 23 September, 2026 08:52 AM IST | Anushree Gaikwad

Mumbai's Parelcha Raja, also known as Nare Park Cha Raja, is drawing devotees on Day 9 of Ganeshotsav 2026 with a 23-foot Ganesha idol depicting the deity in the form of a Warkari devotee of Lord Vitthal this year. (PICS/ ANUSHREE GAIKWAD, SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT)

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Located in South Central Mumbai’s Parel area, the mandal marked the ninth day of Ganeshotsav on Tuesday, September 22, as devotees continued to visit the pandal. (PIC/ ANUSHREE GAIKWAD)
Located in South Central Mumbai’s Parel area, the mandal marked the ninth day of Ganeshotsav on Tuesday, September 22, as devotees continued to visit the pandal. (PIC/ ANUSHREE GAIKWAD)
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For its 80th year, Parelcha Raja Narepark has based its theme on Maharashtra’s Warkari tradition and devotion to Lord Vitthal. (PIC/ ANUSHREE GAIKWAD)
For its 80th year, Parelcha Raja Narepark has based its theme on Maharashtra’s Warkari tradition and devotion to Lord Vitthal. (PIC/ ANUSHREE GAIKWAD)
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Adjacent to the pandal, the mandal has also recreated a look-alike of Pandharpur’s Shri Vitthal temple, while water from the Chandrabhaga river was brought in for the celebrations. (PIC/ ANUSHREE GAIKWAD)
Adjacent to the pandal, the mandal has also recreated a look-alike of Pandharpur’s Shri Vitthal temple, while water from the Chandrabhaga river was brought in for the celebrations. (PIC/ ANUSHREE GAIKWAD)
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The 23-foot Ganesha idol is dressed as a Sant Warkari, with traditional headgear, a bright purple upper garment with golden motifs and a yellow pitambar. A Vishnupanthi, or Vaishnavite, tilak adorns the deity’s forehead. (PIC/ SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT)
The 23-foot Ganesha idol is dressed as a Sant Warkari, with traditional headgear, a bright purple upper garment with golden motifs and a yellow pitambar. A Vishnupanthi, or Vaishnavite, tilak adorns the deity’s forehead. (PIC/ SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT)
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The six-armed idol holds traditional Warkari musical instruments, including kartal, veena and mridang, while the trunk holds a shankh, or conch shell. (PIC/ SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT)
The six-armed idol holds traditional Warkari musical instruments, including kartal, veena and mridang, while the trunk holds a shankh, or conch shell. (PIC/ SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT)
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The Vitthal theme continues across the pandal. An idol of Lord Vitthal, dressed in red and gold, greets devotees at the entrance, while images of Warkaris and devotees inside recreate elements of Pandharpur. (PIC/ SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT)
The Vitthal theme continues across the pandal. An idol of Lord Vitthal, dressed in red and gold, greets devotees at the entrance, while images of Warkaris and devotees inside recreate elements of Pandharpur. (PIC/ SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT)
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The concept was developed to reflect the connection between Maharashtra’s Warkari tradition and Lord Vitthal while retaining the grandeur associated with Parelcha Raja. (PIC/ SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT)
The concept was developed to reflect the connection between Maharashtra’s Warkari tradition and Lord Vitthal while retaining the grandeur associated with Parelcha Raja. (PIC/ SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT)
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The idol was designed by Nikhil Rajan Khatu, who has been designing the Parelcha Raja idol for nearly 25 years. (PIC/ SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT)
The idol was designed by Nikhil Rajan Khatu, who has been designing the Parelcha Raja idol for nearly 25 years. (PIC/ SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT)

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