As promised, your friendly neighbourhood Metroblogger brings you some photos of Ganesh. These were taken mainly in Dadar-Matunga area but there might be more in future from other parts of Mumbai.

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A typical arati being performed in a home. The head of the family is leading the arati while the relatives, neighbours and friends join in. An arati consists of 8 different aratis on an average. Depending on the family size, enthusiasm and tradition, this can go upto 20 in some cases.

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This Ganesh is hosted by the florists outside Matunga Post Office. The entire decoration is made of flowers and the design is by the florists themselves. The design and arrangement changes every day and is a major attraction in the area.

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A Ganesh hosted by the chawl outside Matunga station. This was the only pandal I found with a picture of Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak. Many decades ago Lokmanya started Ganeshotsav to wake up and unite the populace against the British rule.

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Another Ganesh in the vicinity. There was a 20 foot Ganesh next door but I liked this Ganesh for the simple decoration.

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An interesting and typical arrangement of lights and flowers. Note that a mirror has been placed behind the Ganesh idol with lighting on the side. This particular family also used orchids which lent the purple colour – the colour of royalty – to the decoration. The flowers, lights and the mirror create an aura of festivity and the idol looks resplendent in bright colours.