Besides being a spiritual celebration, Ganeshotsav often feels like the beginning of the brighter half of the year; A time of auspiciousness, pleasant weather, upcoming festivals, and an overall cheerful spirit. Lucknow too embraces this vibrant vibe, with the highlight being its Ganeshotsav pandals. From smaller ones that span 1.5 to 3 days, to grander setups lasting 5, 7, or even 10 days, the city comes alive in devotion and festivity.

This year, the festival begins tomorrow, September 27, and will continue for 10 days, culminating in Visarjan on the 11th day, Anant Chaturdashi, which falls on September 6.

Among the most cherished celebrations is Lucknow’s famed 'Manautiyon Ke Raja', set up at Jhulelal Ghat on the banks of the Gomti. Known for staying the longest, this pandal takes on a fresh theme each year, complemented by a lively fair at the ghat, a spectacle Lucknowites look forward to with great affection.

This year, the pandal has been designed in the likeness of Delhi’s majestic Akshardham Temple. Adorned in shades of beige, crimson, and orange, it mirrors the grandeur of the temple with nine domes crowning its top, each symbolising one of the nine celestial bodies in Hindu cosmology.

Inside, the pandal dazzles with chandeliers and intricately detailed picture paneling depicting the Shiv Parivar along the frieze. At its heart lies a magnificent stage, prepared to house the idol of Bappa in all splendour.

Despite bouts of heavy, stormy rainfall through the week (even today) workers have skillfully completed the structure. Now, the pandal stands resplendent, ready to welcome Bappa’s arrival tomorrow.

Moreover, across the city, other highlights include the Ganeshotsav pandal at Paper Mill Colony near Nishatganj and the one at Babu Banarasi Das University, both celebrated over five days and drawing large gatherings.

With devotional music filling the air, chants of “Ganpati Bappa Moreya” echoing through the streets, and colours of festivity all around, Lucknow is ready to revel in the spirit of Ganeshotsav. Perhaps this season, you too should step out to soak in the devotion, the energy, and the sheer magic of the celebrations!