Delhi is readying to bring bappa home with the 10-day Ganeshotsav kicking off on August 26 and Ganesh Chaturthi on August 27. And this year, the devotion towards Ganpati will be coupled with the spirit of patriotism as some Ganesha pandals in NCR are themed on Operation Sindoor as well as astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla’s space expedition, Axiom Mission 4.
So, get set to witness this blend of patriotism with cosmic glory as Ganpati celebrations continue to bring intricately crafted idols from Mumbai, Channai alongside organising cultural performances.
Here are some pandals that you must visit in Delhi-NCR for Bappa’s blessings:
Salute to the Armed Forces
“Operation Sindoor united the entire country, so we are paying tribute to the Indian Armed Forces,” says Mahendra Ladda, founder-president of Shri Ganesh Seva Mandal. Visitors will witness statues and installations showcasing India’s strength, including Agni and Akash missiles as well as fighter jet, Tejas. The pandal will also “honour astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla’s Axiom Mission 4”. Ladda adds, “We’ll have an eco-conscious visarjan with a 2.5-foot mud idol, brought from Pune. Instead of the Yamuna, we’ll immerse it in a water tank within the pandal.”
What: 24th Delhi ka Maharaja Ganesh Mahotsav
Where: DDA Mini Cricket Stadium, Bank Enclave, Priyadarshini Vihar, Laxmi Nagar
When: August 27 to 31
Timing: 10am to 11pm
Nearest Metro Station: Laxmi Nagar (Blue Line)
1,008 modaks and splendour
“Our four-foot-tall Ganesh idol is coming specially from Chennai, crafted by traditional artisans,” says G Raghuram, secretary of Shri Subha Siddhi Vinayaka Mandir Society, adding, “A powerful 25 mool mantra jaap will be performed on day 1. On August 26, 1,008 modaks will be offered. The next morning, on Ganesh Chaturthi, the idol will be consecrated with a rudra abhishek at 6.30am and devotees can perform a parikrama around the idol. Our Ganpati ji will be adorned in shimmering gold, silver, and sandalwood dresses while the pandal will be fragrant with vibrant rose petals, marigolds and hibiscus. All visitors must partake the special chana prasad, a wholesome bhojan, and of course, modaks!”
What: Ganpati Mahotsav 2025
Where: Shri Subha Siddhi Vinayaka Mandir, Pocket 4, Mayur Vihar Phase 1
When: August 24 to 31
Timing: 6.30am to midnight
Nearest Metro Station: Mayur Vihar 1 (Blue and Pink Lines)
Delhi’s tallest Ganpati idol
An 18-foot Ganpati idol will be unveiled in Pitampura. “The artist who has created the idol makes two murtis — one for Mumbai and the other for our pandal. We want devotees in Delhi to feel the same energy as they would if they visited Lalbaugcha Raja in Mumbai. By installing the tallest idol in Delhi, we aim to give Ganpati a royal welcome. Over the next 10 days, we are expecting nearly 15,000 devotees daily for the darshan,” shares Rakesh Bindal, chairman, Lal Bagh Ka Raja Trust, adding, “But celebrations won’t stop here. This year’s pandal will be fully air-conditioned and designed in a bhavya mandir style. Soulful bhajans by 10 different gurujis from Kurukshetra, Haridwar, Vrindavan and other parts of India, can be witnessed live on different days.”
What: 9th Lal Bag Ka Raja Ganpati Mahotsav
Where: DDA Netaji Subhash Place Ground, Pitampura
When: August 27 to September 5
Timing: 3pm to Midnight
Maharashtra’s spirit to come alive in Delhi
“This is our 28th year of celebrating Ganesh Utsav. Since UNESCO recently granted the historical status to 12 forts of Maharashtra, we have decided to design the decorations of our Ganpati pandal around that. We will also have special troupes travelling from Mumbai to perform bhajans here… The Ganesh idol, which stands at a height of 4.5 feet, will be welcomed with dhol and all the traditions during the sthapana ceremony at 11am on Day 1,” informs Promod Kolapte, president, Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Samiti.
What: 28th Ganesh Utsav
Where: Maharashtra Sadan, Copernicus Marg, Mandi House
When: August 27 to September 6
Timing: 8am to 10pm
Nearest Metro Station: Mandi House (Blue and Violet Lines)
Devotion + Culture = Fun
“Delhiites can experience the joy of devotion towards Ganpati alongside a vibrant showcase of art, food, and culture,” says Ashok Kumar, a member of the organising team at Delhi Tourism, adding, “We are bringing a Ganesh idol which is around 5 feet high. Alongside, there will be numerous craft stalls and activities such as puppet shows, a stage set-up for cultural dance and music performances, and food stalls with several specialities. For the young ones, we will have a dedicated kids zone with swings, slides, and other activities.”
What: Ganesh Utsav 2025
Where: Dilli Haat, Pitampura
When: August 27 to 31
Timing: 11am to 10pm
Nearest Metro Station: Netaji Subhash Place (Red and Pink Lines)