The GSB Seva Mandal in Mumbai has increased its insurance coverage for this year’s Ganpati celebrations to ₹703.27 crore, up from ₹474 crore in 2025, organisers said on Sunday. They said the coverage reflects their focus on devotees’ safety.
The five-day festivities will feature a idol decorated with over 66 kg of gold and around 335 kg of silver ornaments, according to the organisers, according to PTI.
Although the celebrations at the mandal will continue for five days, the 10-day Ganpati festival across Mumbai is scheduled to commence on September 14.
The GSB Seva Mandal, one of wealthiest Ganesh mandals, hosts its annual celebrations at King’s Circle, drawing thousands of devotees.
The GSB Seva Mandal will hold its 72nd from September 14 to 18, with the first glimpse of the idol scheduled to be revealed during the ‘Virat Darshan’ ceremony at 8 pm on September 12.
“This year we have taken Ganeshotsav insurance cover of ₹703.27 crore. Being a responsible mandal, it is our responsibility to ensure the safety and security of every devotee,” its spokesperson Amit Pai said in a statement.
According to the organisers, the Maha Ganpati idol has been made using eco-friendly materials. The idol’s gold and silver decorations, along with precious stones, are typically contributed by devotees and sevadars, or volunteers.
The mandal also plans to provide food under its ‘annadaan seva’ initiative to over 40,000 people each day. Over the five-day celebrations, the organisers expect prasad to be distributed among more than two lakh devotees.
The celebrations will include various prayers and religious rituals conducted in accordance with Vedic traditions and scriptures, the mandal said.
As part of its efforts to make the festivities more sustainable, the mandal has also switched from printed receipts to digital ones to minimise paper consumption and waste.
Meanwhile, the Mumbai Police on Sunday put in place a multi-layered security plan across the city to ensure safe and peaceful Ganeshotsav 2026 celebrations.
The force has deployed 7 Additional Commissioners of Police, 37 Deputy Commissioners, 52 Assistant Commissioners, 2,650 officers and 14,150 policemen for security during the festival.
Additional arrangements include SRPF platoons, Quick Response Teams (QRTs), Riot Control Teams and Home Guards at key locations, as per ANI. Special security measures have also been planned for Ganesh idol immersion day, with additional personnel being deployed for the occasion.
The police urged citizens to remain cautious in crowded areas and cooperate with security personnel. They also advised people to immediately inform the police if they spot any unattended or suspicious object. For urgent assistance, citizens can contact the police helpline at 100 or 112, it said.
The first look of Mumbai’s iconic Lalbaugcha Raja was unveiled on Friday ahead of Ganesh Chaturthi, drawing attention to one of the city’s most revered Lord Ganesh idols and a key highlight of the annual festivities.
Lalbaugcha Raja has become more than just an idol, representing Mumbai’s collective faith, artistic tradition and festive spirit. Every year, millions of devotees visit the pandal for darshan, making the idol’s unveiling one of the most eagerly anticipated moments of Ganeshotsav.
The majestic idol is depicted seated on a throne, with a serene, benevolent and affectionate expression.
The unveiling of Lalbaugcha Raja’s first look is among the most-awaited events in Mumbai each year as the city prepares for its grand Ganeshotsav celebrations.
Ganesh Chaturthi is a 10-day Hindu festival celebrating the birth of Lord Ganesha. The festivities include installing Ganesha idols at homes and public pandals, offering prayers and organising cultural programmes, before concluding with the immersion of the idols.
