Ganpati Visarjan in Mumbai: A Grand Farewell to Lord Ganesha
Ganesh Chaturthi, one of the most vibrant and joyous festivals in India, culminates in the grand celebration of Ganpati Visarjan in Mumbai. The sight of the city’s streets bustling with processions, music, and devotion marks the conclusion of an elaborate ten-day festival dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles and the god of new beginnings. This ritual, where the idols of Lord Ganesha are immersed in water bodies, is not only a cultural spectacle but also a symbol of love, devotion, and the cyclical nature of life.
The Spirit of Ganpati Visarjan in Mumbai
Ganesh Chaturthi is a time when millions of devotees across India welcome Lord Ganesha into their homes and public pandals. The city of Mumbai, however, takes the celebration to a whole new level. Known for its lavishness, creativity, and enthusiasm, Mumbai witnesses some of the largest and most spectacular Ganpati processions in the world. The festival begins with the installation of Lord Ganesha idols, some of which are awe-inspiring in size and craftsmanship. From the smallest idols in local communities to the giant, elaborately decorated statues in public pandals, the streets come alive with color and excitement.
But after ten days of joyous celebrations, it is time for the inevitable farewell – the Ganpati Visarjan.
A Meaningful Ritual: The Immersion of the Idol
Ganpati Visarjan, also known as “Ganesh Visarjan” or “Anant Chaturdashi,” involves the immersion of the Ganesha idols in natural bodies of water like rivers, lakes, or the sea. The ritual is symbolic of Lord Ganesha’s return to his celestial abode, taking with him the prayers and wishes of his devotees. The immersion represents the idea of impermanence, teaching that life is cyclical. Just as Lord Ganesha returns to the ocean, the creation and dissolution of life are ongoing processes, reminding devotees of the transient nature of the material world.
In Mumbai, the immersion of the idols is no less than a grand parade. The atmosphere is electric with loud music, the beating of drums (dhol), and the chanting of “Ganapati Bappa Morya, Pudchya Varshi Laukariya” (which translates to “Goodbye Lord Ganesha, come back next year”). Devotees, often in large groups, transport the idols to the water bodies in trucks or on foot, with people singing, dancing, and celebrating along the way. The sight of thousands of devotees coming together for a common cause embodies the spirit of unity and collective devotion.
ITINERARY
Day 1 : 06 Sep : We will start from the meeting point of our prebooked hotel (Those who are opting for a hotel stay, our booking will start at check in time of 06 Sep) near Parel at 10:30am. We will reach on the Eastern Expressway Flyover Bridge Near to Parel to shoot the procession of numerous Ganpatis including the Lalbagcha Raja Ganpati. After the shoot, will have lunch and proceed to the Girgaon Chowpatti for the immersion shoot. One needs to get ready to go into the waist deep water to get the best possible Visarjan shots. We will continue till late in the evening and leave the place around 18:30-19:00 hrs. Will have our dinner(those who have opted for hotel stay) and rest.
Day 2 : 07 Sep : We will start from hotel a bit early in the morning so that we can reach the beach before the Lalbagcha Ganpati arrives for the immersion. After that, we will cover many more immersion in soft light of the early morning. Later after the shoot, we will have our breakfast and conclude the photo tour. Those who have opted for the hotel stay will go back to the hotel and check out.
TOUR COST AND TERMS:
Workshop fee is $600 / Rs. 18000/- for the entire trip, per person.
Includes:
Hotel stay in Mumbai(06 Sep). Shared occupancy @ $500 or 15k(subject to availability) and single occupancy @ $600 or 18k.
Local transport in Mumbai to cover the festival and back to hotel.
All Meals during Workshop: Starting with lunch on 06 Sep to end up with breakfast on 07 Sep.
Quality & professional photography assistance
Excludes:
All meals apart from the above mentioned.
Anything any individual orders personally.
Expenses for personal habits.
Any Medical Expenses.
Anything that is not included in the “Includes” list.
FAQ & TOUR INFO
What do I get from this photo-tour?
-
-
- A thoroughly guided photographic experience by experts in the field who know place and festival very well.
- Guiding all participants about lens requirement, creative composition and camera settings on the field during photo shoot.
- Assisting in possible editing guidance.
- Guiding participants in finding photographic locations and vantage points for places and events.
- Helping in finding the local delicacies.
-
Am I eligible for this tour?
Anyone above 18 years (unless accompanied by a parent or guardian) is welcome to join this photo tour. Below 18 years needs to be accompanied by parents or parents’ consent letter.
I am new to photography. Will I join this trip?
Yes of course. This tour is for all photography enthusiastic people. The more you travel and explore, the more your photographic eye will open. Moreover, our team leaders will ensure to give special attention to the beginners.
I am not a serious photographer, just a traveler. Shall I join this trip?
Yes, you too can join this tour as our tours are designed for both serious photographers and casual travelers for the purpose of both learning and entertainment. But you need to pay the amount of the full fee as the seats are limited and you could take place of a full paid serious photographer.
What equipments are required for this Trip?
Well, even the point and shoot camera will work fine. If you have a DSLR camera, any zoom lens and a wide-angle lens will work best. You may also bring a portrait lens like 50mm or 85mm prime(classic 70-200mm f/2.8 can be the best for the purpose). A laptop with post-processing software, an extension charging board, an external hard drive, and extra memory cards will be helpful. For the review session, you must carry a pen drive along with.
What is the difference between ASP workshop Photo Tours and other tours?
We are not offering a package tour for general tourists; it is specifically meant for photography enthusiastic people and designed by experienced professional photographers. You will discover the place and learn a lot about this ancient city, local people and their culture which is an important part of our travel photography. We will try to observe the local people, their daily activities and cultural beliefs and will try to capture those moments using the right compositions and techniques. Our Team Leaders will help our guests to learn camera settings, framing and as well as post-processing. If that’s what your requirement is exactly, then surely join us for this exciting Sonyachi Jejuri photo tour with ASP. Remember, this is not just an another phototour, it is a phototour wrapped with photography workshop.
CANCELLATION AND REFUND POLICY
If you cancel your registration, then you will be charged according to the following schedule, based on the full fee of the Workshop:
-
-
- 60 days or more: 25%
- 60-30 days : 50%
- 30-15 days : 75%
- Less than 15days : 100%(Non refund).
(PLEASE KEEP A SCREENSHOT OF THE REFUND POLICY TO AVOID ANY UNWANTED DISCREPANCIES IF A NEED OF CANCELLATION ARISES)
-
OUR LIABILITIES & LIMITATIONS:
-
-
- All itineraries are sample itineraries, intended to give you a general idea of the likely trip schedule. Numerous factors such as weather, road conditions, the physical ability of the participants etc. may dictate itinerary changes either before the tour or while on the trail. We reserve the right to change any schedule in the interest of the trip participants’ safety, comfort & general well being.
- ASP shall not be responsible for any delays & alterations in the programme or expenses incurred – directly or indirectly – due to natural hazards, flight cancellations, accidents, breakdown of transport, weather, sickness, road blockages, political closures or any troublesome incidents.
- ASP shall not be responsible for any loss, injury or damage to person, property, or otherwise in connection with any accommodation, transportation or other services, resulting – directly or indirectly – from any act of GOD, dangers, fire, accident, breakdown in machinery or equipment, breakdown of transport, wars, civil disturbances, strikes, riots, thefts, pilferages, epidemics, medical or custom department regulations, defaults, or any other causes beyond our control.
-
ASP does not have any insurance policy covering the expenses for accident, sickness, loss due to theft, or any other reasons. Visitors are advised to seek such insurance arrangements in their home country. All baggage, camera, gears & personal property/s at all times are at the client’s risk.
REGISTER YOUR PARTICIPATION BY PAYING THE FEES
Under any unavoidable circumstances, if we have to cancel our photo tour, your entire booking money will be refunded.
DISCLAIMER
-
-
- We don’t have any control over weather conditions, pandemics, accidents or any medical emergencies. Under any unforeseen condition, we may have to change our schedule. We expect your cooperation under such circumstances.
- In the COVID19 PANDEMIC situation, we expect all our guests to follow the ASP and Govt laid down rules of social distancing and precautions throughout the tour.
-
Click here to see the entire GANPATI VISARJAN Portfolio.
For more Details :
Contact(call or WhatsApp) #+91-8605013985
Or mail us at arunsahaphotography@gmail.com