Consuls from various countries visit Ganesh mandals in Mumbai and seek blessings of Lord Ganesha
Mumbai, September 2026: As Ganeshotsav showcases Maharashtra’s rich cultural heritage to tourists from across the world, consuls and representatives of several countries visited various Ganesh mandals in Mumbai and sought the blessings of Lord Ganesha.
Representatives from Finland, France, Thailand, Norway, China, Belgium, Sweden and Egypt participated in the programme. They were briefed about Maharashtra’s Ganeshotsav, its historical traditions and the prominent public Ganesh mandals in Mumbai.
Tourism Minister Shambhuraj Desai said Ganeshotsav is not merely a religious festival but also a symbol of Maharashtra’s cultural heritage, social unity and public participation.
“Through this festival, Maharashtra’s art, traditions, history, folk culture and hospitality are reaching people across the world,” Desai said.
He added that the Tourism Department was undertaking various initiatives to enable international visitors to experience Maharashtra’s cultural tourism.
Visit to Prominent Ganesh Mandals in Mumbai
The foreign guests were traditionally welcomed at Khalsa College in Matunga with pheta turbans and bouquets.
The international representatives subsequently visited some of Mumbai’s historic and popular Ganeshotsav mandals and sought blessings of Lord Ganesha. Their itinerary included the GSB Ganpati in Matunga, GSB Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav in Wadala, ‘Mumbai Cha Raja’ at Ganesh Galli and the Ganesh idol at Keshavji Naik Chawl in Girgaon.
The guests were informed that Ganeshotsav is one of Maharashtra’s major festivals and is traditionally celebrated over 10 days.
They were also introduced to the state’s culture, history, folk traditions and the message of social harmony associated with the festival.
Representatives From Several Countries Participate
Finland’s Deputy Consul Jonna Suni, France’s Consul Patrick Leverino and Samantha Nuwell, Thailand’s Consul Siriporn Supanimittavisetkul, Consul Thitiporn Chuchinnawat, Nakrisorn Klaikao and Vice Consul Arunluk Imsub participated in the programme.
Norway’s Consul Monica Ommundsen Nagelgard and Jenny Brandal, Belgium’s Consul Pierre Steverlinck, and Sane Yamada, wife of the Consul of Sweden, were also present.
Representing China were Consul Ji Xuechui, Consul Wang Jinsheng, Deputy Consul Ma Zhoucheng, Zhu Yuchian, Lin and Wu, along with other officials and family members of the Chinese Consulate.
Egyptian Consul General Dina Al Ahe also participated in the programme.
Minister of State Indranil Naik extended his best wishes for the initiative. Additional Chief Secretary of the Tourism Department Sanjay Khadare and Mumbai City Collector Anchal Goyal thanked the foreign dignitaries for participating in the programme.
Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation Managing Director Nilesh Gatne, Mumbai City Additional Collector Bappasaheb Thorat, General Manager Chandrashekhar Jaiswal and Manager Mansi Kothare were also present on the occasion.
