Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations spread across India and the US

Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations are taking place across India and within the Indian diaspora in the United States. In Mumbai, the festival features iconic sites like the Lalbaugcha Raja, which has a history dating back to 1934. High-profile figures, including Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani and actor Ranveer Singh, have visited the Lalbaugcha Raja pandal to offer prayers.

As festivities expand into high-rise residential buildings and commercial spaces, authorities like the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation are emphasizing fire safety and emergency preparedness. In other regions, such as Bhubaneswar, officials have reported instances of citizens bypassing designated artificial ponds for idol immersion, leading to environmental concerns and traffic hazards on highways.

Cultural expressions of the festival vary, from the massive community street festivals in Maharashtra to the Jagannath Puri temple replicas created by local mandals in Chikalthana. In the US, the festival is celebrated in cities like San Jose and New Jersey, blending traditional Maharashtrian drumming and performances with local community gatherings.