Ganpati Celebrations in Vashi, Nerul & Belapur: Where to Shoot in 2025
While Mumbai takes centre stage during Ganesh Chaturthi, Navi Mumbai’s Vashi, Nerul and Belapur have quietly built their own legacy. Clean roads, spacious mandals and a strong community vibe make these locations ideal for capturing festive frames. If you’re looking to explore beyond the usual spots this Ganpati season, these areas deserve your attention.
Here’s a guide to the most photogenic and culturally vibrant pandals across Vashi, Nerul and Belapur in 2025.
1. Vashi Sector 9 and 17 Housing Societies
Residential pandals here are a mix of traditional devotion and modern design. Expect neatly arranged decor, eco-friendly idols and families gathered together.
Why shoot here:
- Soft lighting and symmetrical setups
- Evening group aartis in open courtyards
- Paper and fabric-based sustainable themes
Photo Tip: Try wide-angle shots of families praying or portraits of kids with modak plates in hand.
2. Shivaji Chowk Ganesh Mandal, Vashi Gaon
This pandal sits in one of the oldest parts of Vashi and holds a special place in the hearts of locals. Decorations are minimal but meaningful, and the rituals are deeply spiritual.
What makes it special:
- Real flower garlands and banana leaf decorations
- Morning poojas filled with chants and bells
- A welcoming community that encourages participation
Photography angle: Capture close-ups of hands offering flowers, or the early morning light touching the idol.
3. Nerul Sector 21 Mandals
This part of Nerul hosts medium to large-sized pandals with elaborate themes. You’ll find stage lighting, cultural programs and devotional music playing throughout the day.
Highlights:
- Idols with rich detail and colour
- Community dance and singing events
- Youth-led volunteer teams keeping things organised
Photo Tip: Position yourself near the stage before the aarti begins to get the best angles with the lights on.
4. Nerul Lake Visarjan Point
Come visarjan day, this peaceful lake turns into a vibrant farewell stage. Idols arrive by trucks, surrounded by dancing devotees, and are gently immersed into the lake’s calm waters.
Why visit:
- Water reflections at golden hour
- Families saying emotional goodbyes
- Community singing and drumming by the water’s edge
Best time to shoot: Just before sunset, when the light creates beautiful silhouettes and reflections on the lake surface.
5. Belapur Sector 19 Housing Society Pandals
Belapur’s residential complexes are known for their calm yet colourful celebrations. Idols are often handcrafted, and the decor is done by society members.
Expect to see:
- Artistic use of cloth, bamboo and flowers
- Seniors and children leading rituals together
- Soft-lit courtyards with family-style gatherings
Photography idea: Shoot from above if possible. Society balconies offer great vantage points during evening aartis.
6. Belapur Creek Immersion Spot
This is one of the most scenic immersion locations in Navi Mumbai. Unlike the city’s chaotic visarjans, the vibe here is more peaceful and respectful.
What to look out for:
- Small idols being brought in hand-pulled carts
- Soft chanting and bhajans by the riverside
- Natural elements like coconut leaves and earthen lamps
Photo Tip: Arrive an hour before immersion begins. Capture the emotion on faces rather than just the idol.
Cultural Touches That Add to Your Frames
Ganpati celebrations in these parts are full of little moments that go beyond the idol. Look for:
- Elders blessing children with tilak and prasad
- Handwritten shlokas placed near the pandal
- DIY rangolis in society entrances
- Friends helping each other tie turbans before the procession
These moments speak of the warmth and connection that make Navi Mumbai’s Ganesh Utsav unique.
Tips for Shooting Ganesh Utsav in Navi Mumbai
- Scout during the day, shoot at night: Note the pandal layout and lighting in advance
- Go light on gear: A mobile with night mode or a mirrorless camera is enough
- Respect rituals: Step back during pooja and avoid flash when people are praying
- Ask before shooting portraits: Most locals will smile and agree when approached politely
- Visit during visarjan: From drums to dancing, it’s a moment of joyful farewell that tells powerful stories
Final Thoughts
From the quiet devotion of Belapur’s societies to the musical visarjans at Nerul Lake, the Ganpati celebrations in Vashi, Nerul and Belapur are filled with energy, emotion and elegance. If you’re a photographer, a culture lover, or someone who enjoys capturing life as it unfolds, this region offers you the perfect frame at every corner.
Take a day, explore the streets, talk to people and let the festive spirit guide your lens.
Ganpati Bappa Morya!
