Lalbaugcha Raja is the most iconic Ganpati idol of Mumbai and Mumbaikars wait every year to take darshan of Ganpati Bappa at Lalbaug. Ganesh Chaturthi is a massive festival and celebration in Mumbai where everyone comes together and experiences the most memorable festival of their life. The story of Lalbaugcha dates back many decades. Here are some facts about Mumbai’s iconic Lalbaugcha Raja.
1. The History Of Lalbaugcha Raja
Let’s start from the beginning of Mumbai’s much-waited grand celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi of Lalbaugcha Raja. The Ganesha idol is kept at Lalbaug, Mumbai during the celebration of this auspicious occasion. Lalbaugcha Raja Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal was founded long back in the year 1934 in Mumbai’s Lalbaug market. Some fishermen and traders came together to establish this Mandal.
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2. Artist Of The Idol
Ratnakar Kambli Jr is the artist and sculptor behind the Lalbaugcha Raja Ganesha idol. Even his sons help him in the process. The Kambli Arts workshop is the location to make the 18-20 feet idol each and every year. The unveiling ceremony of the Ganapati idol is a grand celebration in the City of Dreams as well. The Kambli family is making the idol for 89 years now.
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3. 89 Years Of Celebration!
The year 2022 completed the 89 years of great fanfare of the grand Ganesh Chaturthi festival. Mumbaikars are enjoying the most famous festival in Maharashtra with Lalbaugcha Raja since 1934. And lakhs of devotees gather around bustling on the streets and groove and dance to the beats of dhol tasha.
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4. Lalbaugcha Raja Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal Called Off The Celebrations For The First Time In 2020
Coronavirus hit the entire world in 2020 and everything took a pause. Similarly, the Ganesha puja festivities with the crowd took a halt too. It was the first time since 1934 that the Lalbaugcha Raja had to call off all the grand festivities. And after 2 years, devotees finally crowded the Mandal to celebrate and take Ganpati Bappa’s blessings.
5. Ganesh Visarjan
The 10-day-long Ganeshotsav comes to an end with a procession around the city. Anant Chaturdashi is the last day of the 10-day-long Ganesh Chaturthi festival. And devotees gather together to immerse the idol. This year, Anant Chaturdashi will be celebrated on 9 September.