Ganpathi Festival (6 Days / 5 Nights)
Ganesh Chaturthi celebrated as the birthday of Lord Ganesh, the elephant deity, is the most important annual festival in the state of Maharashtra, more so in Mumbai and the cultural capital of Maharashtra, Pune. This patron deity is called as the God of wisdom and removal of all the obstacles, and is worshiped for 11 days in most extravagance in every household and every lane or by-lane of Mumbai and Pune. The festival begins with the installation of beautifully sculpted Ganesh idols in homes and pandals (large tents), colourfully decorated, depicting religious themes or current events. The Lord is worshiped and then immersed on the idols on the 11th day in big processions with people shouting Ganapati bappa Morya, Pudhchya Warshi lawakar ya; which means hail oh Lord and come soon next year. Every lane and by lane has a Ganapati of their own. The God is worshiped with holy chants and hymns and in the nights cultural performances are organized. The zeal and festive mood only stops with the immersion of the Lord, in the sea or nearby rivers.
Dates for Ganesh Festival in the coming years:
2018: 12 September to 23 September
2019: 01 September to 12 September
2020: 22 August to 01 September
Day 1: Mumbai
Friday, July 11, 2014 - Saturday, July 12, 2014
Arrive and transfer to hotel. Overnight stay at Hotel.
Day 2: Mumbai
Saturday, July 12, 2014 - Sunday, July 13, 2014
Morning half day city tour visiting
Prince of Wales Museum housing collection in the Indo Saracenic architecture. Visit the Flora Fountain, Victoria Terminus, St. Thomas Cathedral, Crawford Market, Malabar Hill and the Hanging Gardens.Afternoon at leisure.Evening visit the Ganesh Festival.Overnight stay at Hotel.
Day 3: Mumbai - Pune
Sunday, July 13, 2014 - Monday, July 14, 2014
Morning transfer to airport or to railway station to leave for Pune.Arrive and transfer from airport or railway station to hotel.Evening Visit the "Ganpati Mahotsav". This festival in an extraordinary form of worship when various renowned artists perform on the stage, much to the admiration of the general public.
Day 4: Pune
Monday, July 14, 2014 - Tuesday, July 15, 2014
Morning half day sightseeing to visit The
Aga Khan Palace -Kasturba Gandhi Smriti Mandir - This beautiful building with salons and suites, is a great historical landmark. It was here that Mahatma Gandhi and other leaders of the Indian freedom movement were imprisoned during the 1942 Quit India Movement. Here lies the samadhi of Kasturba Gandhi, the Mahatma's wife. Bund Gardens - Presently known as Mahatma Gandhi Udyan, these gardens are situated on the banks of Mula-Mutha River. The bund was constructed by Sir Jamshedji Jeejeebhoy for providing water to the poor. Raja Dinkar
Kelkar Museum - This Rajasthani style building showcases a one-man collection of some of the most fascinating Indian artifacts one can ever get to see. Among 36 sections full of antiques, carved palace doors, miniatures, the 'Mastani Mahal' is particularly famous. Mastani was the mistress of 'Peshwa Bajirao', the Prime Minister. This impressive collection was donated to the Government of Maharashtra by Shri Dinkar Kelkar and is only displayed by rotation. Afternoon at leisure.Evening visit Ganesh Festival and Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati.Overnight stay at Hotel.
Day 5: Pune
Tuesday, July 15, 2014 - Wednesday, July 16, 2014
Morning half day sightseeing visiting
Shaniwarwada - Built in 1736, this was once the palace of the Peshwa rulers. After the palace was mysteriously destroyed by fire in 1827, only an old fortified wall, the majestically built 'Nagarkhana' and a lotus pool park remain. Pataleshwar Cave Temple - Ensconced deep in the heart of the city, at Shivajinagar, is an 8th century rock-cut temple. Reminiscent of Ellora, the temple has been painstakingly hewn from a single rock and houses massive pillars, a Shiva shrine and a Nandi. Saras Baug - With pleasant lawns and the famous Ganesh temple built by Madhavrao Peshwa, Saras Baug is a popular evening spot at Pune.Evening visit Ganpati Festival.Overnight stay at Hotel.
Day 6: Pune - Mumbai
Wednesday, July 16, 2014 - Thursday, July 17, 2014
Morning transfer to airport to leave for Mumbai. Arrive and transfer to International airport for destination.
