From dhol to Bollywood beats, the sound of Ganeshotsav keeps evolving but never loses its spirit.
Ganeshotsav in India isn’t only about grand idols, colourful decorations, or the mouth-watering modaks. It’s also about music that unites hearts and amplifies the festive vibe. From traditional chants and dhol-tasha beats to Bollywood blockbusters and DJ remixes, every Ganpati visarjan or aarti has its own unforgettable soundtrack.
So, let’s tune into Ganpati Bappa’s playlist - a throwback to the iconic songs that have rocked Ganeshotsav through the decades and continue to echo in every pandal, street, and household.
Before Bollywood made its entry, Ganeshotsav revolved around soulful Ganesh aartis like “Sukhkarta Dukhaharta” and “Jai Ganesh Deva”. Sung with devotion, accompanied by the rhythmic sound of the tabla, cymbals, and harmonium, these aartis remain timeless.
Even today, no matter how many DJs set up camp in pandals, the day still begins with these traditional renditions. They aren’t just songs; they are the heartbeat of Ganpati celebrations.
As cinema began reflecting everyday celebrations, Bollywood gifted Ganeshotsav a string of memorable hits.
“Deva O Deva Ganpati Deva” from Humse Badhkar Kaun (1981) became a household anthem. Its energetic beats set the template for festival songs.
The 90s brought us tracks like “Ganpati Apne Gaon Chale” from Agneepath (1990), perfectly capturing the emotional visarjan moment.
This was when Ganeshotsav music started mixing devotion with cinematic drama, creating a new cultural blend.
By the 2000s, Ganeshotsav had transformed into a larger-than-life public celebration. Enter Ganpati dance hits.
“Shendur Lal Chadhayo” from Vaastav (1999) gave goosebumps with its raw, devotional energy.
“Mourya Re” from Don (2006); Shah Rukh Khan’s high-octane dance number and made every visarjan procession feel like a movie scene.
“Deva Shree Ganesha” from Agneepath (2012) raised the bar, with its powerful chorus still thundering through speakers across India.
These songs didn’t just stay on screen; they became essential tracks in every Ganpati playlist.
Fast forward to the present, Ganeshotsav music has become a combination of tradition and trend. DJ remixes of aartis now thump in pandals, while fusion tracks mix classical instruments with EDM beats.
But amidst all the experimentation, songs like “Sukhkarta Dukhaharta” still find their place, proving that while the beats may change, the devotion remains the same.
Music during Ganpati is more than just entertainment; it’s emotion. It brings people together, fuels the energy of processions, and makes every visarjan tearful yet celebratory. Each era added a new flavor, ensuring Ganeshotsav never loses its spark.
From the divine chants of the 60s to Bollywood anthems of the 2000s and today’s fusion remixes, Ganpati Bappa’s playlist is proof that devotion and rhythm walk hand-in-hand.
No matter the decade, no matter the style when the beats begin, every Indian heart shouts in unison: “Ganpati Bappa Morya!”
