Ganesh Chaturthi in Vasai–Virar: Top Pandals to Visit and Shoot in 2025
Every year during Ganesh Chaturthi, the twin cities of Vasai and Virar light up with a vibrant mix of tradition, creativity and devotion. While these areas may not get as much attention as Mumbai’s big-name pandals, they have a charm of their own that’s deeply rooted in community spirit.
If you’re someone who loves capturing authentic festive moments, Ganesh Chaturthi in Vasai–Virar offers plenty of visual stories and cultural experiences. From large housing society pandals to age-old village setups, here are some must-visit locations and photo tips for 2025.
1. Evershine City Ganesh Mandal, Vasai East
Located in one of the most popular residential complexes in Vasai East, the Evershine City pandal is all about creative installations and well-organised events.
Why visit:
- Eco-friendly décor and LED lighting
- Aartis and cultural programs for kids and seniors
- Organised entry and plenty of space for photography
Photo Tip: Capture the group aarti at night when the lighting and crowd energy come together beautifully.
2. Papdy Gaon Ganesh Utsav, Vasai West
One of the oldest Ganesh celebrations in Vasai, this village pandal has retained its old-world charm. The idol is made with natural shadu clay, and decorations include banana leaves and fresh marigold flowers.
What makes it special:
- Quiet, deeply devotional environment
- Traditional rituals and morning poojas
- Community-prepared modaks and prasad
Photography idea: Focus on early morning rituals, the villagers lighting diyas and rangoli-making by women.
3. Virar Taki Road Ganpati Mandals
This area in Virar East is home to multiple medium-sized pandals that are known for their themed backdrops and inclusive celebrations.
Expect to see:
- Creative themes, often inspired by mythology
- Local school kids performing cultural skits
- Youth volunteers guiding darshan and prasad queues
Photo Tip: Use a zoom lens to capture the idol framed against the backdrop of local markets and decorated streets.
4. Bolinj Mandal, Virar West
The Bolinj area strikes a good balance between traditional and modern. It is a residential area with families that come together to celebrate the festival with warmth and pride.
Why it’s worth visiting:
- Artistic lighting setups
- Friendly locals who are happy to share stories about the mandal
- Modest but beautiful idols
Photography angle: Try low-light shots during evening aarti or portraits of families offering prayers.
5. Ambadi Road Pandals, Vasai Road
One of the busiest and liveliest stretches in Vasai, Ambadi Road hosts multiple pandals, some of which are inspired by temples or regional art forms.
Highlights include:
- Vibrant lighting and high footfall
- Traditional dhol-tasha processions
- Community dance and music events
Photo Tip: Try wide-angle crowd shots during evening processions or candid moments of kids dancing to the beat.
Bonus: Chinchoti and Sativali Gaon Pandals
If you’re up for a more rural and peaceful Ganpati experience, drive a little further towards Chinchoti or Sativali. These villages host simpler pandals but with deeper traditions and community bonding.
What to expect:
- Small idols decorated by local artisans
- Bhajan groups singing devotional songs
- Elderly residents performing age-old rituals
Photography Tip: Black and white photos of these scenes often highlight emotion and texture more than colour.
Tips for Visiting and Photographing Pandals in Vasai–Virar
- Start your visit by late afternoon so you can shoot in both daylight and evening lights
- Dress comfortably and respectfully, especially when visiting traditional village areas
- Carry a power bank and extra memory card, as you’ll likely be hopping from one location to another
- Speak to locals to understand the story or theme behind the pandal. It adds depth to your content
- Use natural light or the soft glow of diyas to frame portraits and rituals
Final Thoughts
Ganesh Chaturthi in Vasai–Virar is all heart. It’s filled with local flavours, artistic devotion, and cultural pride. Whether you are here with a DSLR or just your smartphone, there’s no shortage of photo-worthy moments.
Skip the big crowds this year and explore the pandals of Vasai and Virar. The visuals you capture and the stories you hear will remind you why smaller celebrations often carry the biggest spirit.
Ganpati Bappa Morya!
