Mumbai's Girgaon Chowpatty Gets Special Pavilion for Foreign Visitors During Ganeshotsav

The Maharashtra Tourism Department has set up a special viewing pavilion at Girgaon Chowpatty in Mumbai to give foreign tourists an opportunity to witness the grandeur of Ganesh idol immersion and experience the state's cultural traditions first-hand.

The initiative is aimed at showcasing Maharashtra's rich cultural heritage and promoting cultural tourism by providing international visitors with a closer look at the traditions associated with Ganeshotsav, the department said in a statement on Wednesday.

The 12-day Ganesh festival will conclude on September 25, when thousands of devotees are expected to participate in elaborate processions as large Ganesh idols are immersed in the sea and other water bodies across the state.

The special pavilion will allow foreign tourists to observe the immersion festivities while learning about the historical, cultural and spiritual significance of Ganeshotsav.

Tourism Minister Shambhuraj Desai said the government was making efforts to take Maharashtra's unique cultural identity to visitors from around the world through people-centric festivals.

"By encouraging such initiatives, we are promoting the growth of tourism in the state through cultural tourism," Desai said.

Maharashtra Additional Chief Secretary (Tourism) Sanjay Khandare said the pavilion at Girgaon beach would provide foreign visitors an opportunity to experience the state's cultural traditions directly.

"Through the pavilion, visitors will be introduced to the historical, cultural and spiritual significance of Ganeshotsav. Initiatives such as these will help showcase Maharashtra's rich cultural heritage more effectively to audiences at the international level," he said.

Vikas Pansare, Director of the Directorate of Tourism, said foreign tourists would be able to learn about the various facets of Ganeshotsav and witness the idol immersion.

He said the initiative would also highlight Maharashtra's cultural traditions and hospitality, while showcasing the diverse opportunities available for cultural tourism to international visitors.