Anant Chaturdashi: Foreign Tourists Experience the Magic of Maharashtra’s Culture During Ganesh Visarjan

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy CM Eknath Shinde Perform Aarti of Lord Ganesha at Girgaon Chowpatty

Mumbai, Sept 2025 : Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde visited the special pavilion jointly set up by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and the Maharashtra Tourism Department at Girgaon Chowpatty and performed the aarti of Lord Ganesha during the immersion ceremony. Foreign tourists who had gathered witnessed the grand immersion procession with awe and wonder. Tourists from Thailand even joined in the aarti. On this occasion, the Chief Minister and Deputy CM praised the arrangements made by the BMC and the Tourism Department.

The grand Ganesh Visarjan ceremony organized at Mumbai’s historic Girgaon Chowpatty on the occasion of Anant Chaturdashi mesmerized foreign visitors. They carried back the priceless treasure of Maharashtra’s rich cultural heritage in their hearts and cameras.

Tourists from Mauritius, Korea, the United States, Thailand, Japan, and South Africa attended the immersion to witness this spectacular celebration with their own eyes. They not only watched the grandeur of the procession but also participated in the worship of Lord Ganesha, joined the aarti, and chanted “Ganpati Bappa Morya” along with the crowd. Dressed in traditional Maharashtrian attire, surrounded by the beats of dhol-tasha and a devotional atmosphere, the tourists immersed themselves fully in the cultural richness of Maharashtra.

The event was graced by Tourism Director Dr. B. N. Patil and Deputy Secretary of the Tourism Department Santosh Rokde.

Maharashtra’s Culture Touches the Hearts of Tourists

Sharing his emotions, one foreign tourist said:
“This is not just a festival—it is a confluence of faith, unity, and joy. Watching lakhs of people chant ‘Ganpati Bappa Morya’ in one voice gave me goosebumps. Tears of happiness rolled down my eyes. Experiencing this in India feels like a dream come true.”

Many tourists clicked photographs with the beautiful idols of Lord Ganesha, capturing these unforgettable moments. Officials of the Tourism Department explained to them the historical, cultural, and spiritual significance of the festival.

“Boost for Maharashtra’s Tourism” – Tourism Minister Shambhuraj Desai

Tourism Minister Shambhuraj Desai said:
“Ganeshotsav is an inseparable part of Maharashtra’s cultural heritage. Involving foreign tourists in this festival is a powerful effort to spread our traditions globally. This will give a new boost to Maharashtra’s tourism and showcase our cultural wealth worldwide.”

Principal Secretary of the Tourism Department, Dr. Atul Patne, added:
“We have created a platform where tourists could experience the festival firsthand. Such initiatives will strengthen Maharashtra’s cultural identity at the international level.”

Tourism Director Dr. B. N. Patil said:
“Our special pavilion gave tourists not just a chance to watch the immersion, but also to connect with the true spirit of Ganeshotsav. Seeing their enthusiasm and love inspired us. By participating in the beats of dhol-tasha, the devotional atmosphere, and the heartfelt farewell to Lord Ganesha, these tourists experienced the warm hospitality of Maharashtra’s culture. This memory will remain etched in their hearts forever.”