Mumbai's famed GSB Mahaganpati at King's Circle opened its doors for the first public viewing on Saturday, drawing large crowds of devotees ahead of the Ganeshotsav celebrations.

Known for its elaborate decorations and valuable ornaments, the Ganpati idol is covered by an insurance policy worth Rs 703.27 crore this year.

The idol has been decorated with more than 66 kg of gold, around 335 kg of silver and an assortment of precious gemstones, making the GSB Seva Mandal's celebration one of the most prominent and lavish Ganpati festivals in Mumbai.

Idol adorned with gold and precious stones

Devotees gathered at the pandal to catch their first glimpse of the Mahaganpati, which is richly decorated with gold and silver ornaments and precious stones.

Despite the scale of the decorations, the GSB Seva Mandal emphasises that the festival is rooted in Vedic traditions and religious rituals.

The celebrations combine elaborate worship with community service, with devotion and charity forming an important part of the Mandal's annual festivities.

Annadan remains central to celebrations

Food donation, or Annadan, is one of the major features of the GSB Ganpati celebrations.

The Mandal serves food to thousands of devotees every day during the festival and places emphasis on ensuring that people in need also receive meals.

Organisers have said food preparation and distribution will be carried out in accordance with Food and Drug Administration (FDA) rules and guidelines.

The GSB Mahaganpati may draw attention for its gold, silver and gemstones, but the organisers say the festival's traditions of worship, community service and food donation remain central to its identity.