Nagpur: The wait is finally over. Ganpati Bappa has arrived in Nagpur, with Ganesh Chaturthi being celebrated across the city on Monday, September 14, marking the beginning of the much-awaited Ganeshotsav.
From homes and housing societies to bustling public mandals, the city is witnessing a festive atmosphere as devotees bring home their idols and perform Ganesh Sthapana and Pran Pratishtha.
This year, the main celebrations will culminate on Anant Chaturdashi, September 25, giving Nagpur a 12-day festive period.
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Auspicious time for Ganesh Sthapana
The Chaturthi tithi began at 7:06 am on September 14 and will end at 7:44 am on September 15. The Madhyahna period is considered especially auspicious for Ganesh Puja and idol installation.
Devotees following the commonly published panchang timings can perform Ganesh Sthapana and puja during the 11:02 am to 1:31 pm window. As muhurat timings can vary by location, devotees are advised to follow the timings prescribed by their local priest or panchang.
The installation ceremony is being accompanied by traditional rituals, including Pran Pratishtha, puja, aarti and offerings of modaks, laddoos, durva and flowers.
Nagpur gets into the Ganeshotsav spirit
In Nagpur, the arrival of Bappa is more than a religious ritual—it is a city-wide celebration.
The traditional Chitar Oli area in Mahal, one of Nagpur’s best-known centres for Ganesh idols, has been buzzing with activity as devotees make their final purchases. Artisans have spent weeks giving finishing touches to idols of different sizes and designs.
Areas including Chitar Oli, Rani Durgawati Chowk and Nandanvan have seen artisans working on idols in the run-up to the festival, reflecting the scale of preparations across the city.
The excitement is visible in neighbourhoods across Nagpur, with mandals putting up decorations, lighting and themed installations while families prepare their homes to welcome Bappa.
Traffic arrangements in Mahal
With large crowds expected around Chitar Oli and surrounding areas, the Nagpur traffic police have introduced special traffic arrangements for September 14.
According to reports, traffic restrictions around the Chitar Oli area in Mahal came into effect from 6 am on Monday and will continue until 7 am on September 15. The Badkas Chowk–Bhavsar Chowk stretch has been made one-way, while certain roads have been closed and alternative routes designated to manage congestion.
Motorists heading towards the idol market and central Nagpur are advised to check diversions and avoid unnecessary travel through congested stretches.
A longer Ganeshotsav in Nagpur this year
Interestingly, Nagpur is expected to witness an unusually extended Ganeshotsav this year.
While the official festival begins on September 14, several public mandals started installing their idols earlier to avoid congestion and logistical challenges. Some mandals are also expected to carry out immersion after Anant Chaturdashi, potentially extending celebrations in parts of the city well beyond the traditional 10-day period.
Eco-friendly celebrations in focus
Along with devotion and celebrations, the focus is also increasingly shifting towards environmentally responsible festivities.
Many devotees and mandals are opting for clay and eco-friendly idols, while encouraging responsible decoration and immersion practices. The idea is to ensure that the city’s festive spirit does not come at the cost of its environment.
For Nagpur, the next few days will bring a familiar mix of aartis, dhol-tasha, decorations, cultural programmes and community gatherings, as neighbourhoods across the city come alive with the chants of:
“Ganpati Bappa Morya!”
With Bappa’s arrival, Nagpur has officially entered the festive season—and the city is ready to celebrate.
