Ganesh Chaturthi 2026: Insurance coverage of 66 kg gold, 335 kg silver and ₹ 703 cr — Inside Mumbai GSB Seva Mandal preparations | Today’s news
GSB Seva Mandal in Mumbai has increased its insurance cover for this year’s Ganpati celebrations to ₹703.27 crore, more than ₹474 million in 2025, organizers said on Sunday. They said the coverage reflects their focus on devotee safety.
The five-day festivities will feature a Ganesha idol decorated with over 66 kg of gold and about 335 kg of silver ornaments, according to organizers, according to PTI.
Although the celebrations at the mandal will continue for five days, the ten-day Ganpati festival in Mumbai is scheduled to begin on September 14.
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Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 commemorates the celebration of the birth of Lord Ganesha, worshiped as the remover of obstacles, and features various festivities including prayers, cultural programs and installation of Ganesha idols.
GSB Seva Mandal has increased its insurance cover to ₹ 703.27 crore, focusing on the safety and security of devotees during the celebrations.
GSB Seva Mandal will celebrate Ganeshotsav 2026 by organizing a five-day festival with a large Ganesha idol adorned with 66 kg gold and 335 kg silver, along with various prayers and food distribution to over 40,000 people daily.
The main celebrations for Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 will begin on September 14, with the first glimpse of the idol being unveiled on September 12 during the ‘Virat Darshan’ ceremony.
The Mumbai Police has put in place a multi-layered security plan for Ganeshotsav 2026 and has deployed more than 14,000 personnel, including specialized units, to ensure security during the festival and the idol immersion day.
GSB Seva Mandal, one of the richest Ganesh mandals in Mumbai, holds its annual celebrations at King’s Circle which attract thousands of devotees.
The GSB Seva Mandal will have its 72nd Ganeshotsav from September 14 to 18, with the first glimpse of the idol being unveiled during the ‘Virat Darshan’ ceremony at 8 pm on September 12.
“We have taken out Ganeshotsav insurance this year ₹703.27 million crowns. 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 organizers, the Maha Ganpati idol was made from eco-friendly materials. The gold and silver ornaments of the idol along with precious stones are usually contributed by devotees and sevadars or volunteers.
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The mandal also plans to provide food under its ‘annadaan seva’ initiative to more than 40,000 people every day. During the five-day celebrations, organizers expect prasad to be distributed among more than two million 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 paper receipts to digital to minimize paper consumption and wastage.
Mumbai Police has deployed multi-level security for Ganeshotsav
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 police commissioners, 37 deputy commissioners, 52 assistant commissioners, 2,650 constables and 14,150 constables for security during the festival.
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Additional measures include SRPF squads, Quick Response Teams (QRT), riot control teams and home guards at key locations, according to ANI. Special security measures have also been planned on the day of Ganesha idol immersion, with additional personnel deployed for the occasion.
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Police urged citizens to exercise caution in crowded areas and cooperate with security personnel. They also advised people to notify the police immediately if they spot any unattended or suspicious object. For urgent help, citizens can contact the police line 100 or 112.
First look of Lalbaugcha Raja unveiled
The first form of Mumbai’s iconic Lalbaugcha Raja was unveiled ahead of Ganesh Chaturthi on Friday, drawing attention to one of the city’s most revered idols of Lord Ganesh and a major highlight of the annual festivities.
Lalbaugcha Raja became more than just an idol representing Bombay’s collective faith, artistic tradition and festive spirit. Millions of devotees visit the pandal for darshan every year, making the unveiling of the idol one of the most eagerly awaited moments of Ganeshotsava.
The majestic idol is depicted seated on a throne with a calm, benevolent and loving expression.
The unveiling of Lalbaugcha Raja’s first look is among the most awaited events in Mumbai every year as the city gears up for its grand Ganeshotsav celebrations.
Ganesh Chaturthi festival
Ganesh Chaturthi is a 10-day Hindu festival celebrating the birth of Lord Ganesha. The festivities include the installation of Ganesha idols in homes and public pandals, offering prayers and holding cultural programs before ending with the immersion of the idols.
