During Ganeshotsav, Lalbaugcha Raja sees millions of devotees flocking to the pandal to get a glimpse of Bappa. Over 1.5 million devotees visit the iconic pandal in Lalbaug, Mumbai, to take blessings from the king of Lalbaug. With visarjan day around the corner, did you know about a unique yearly tradition where the Lalbaugcha Raja idol pauses at Hindustani Masjid in Byculla? Here’s how and why this beautiful tradition began.
Why Lalbaugcha Raja’s Visarjan Procession Halts At Hindustani Masjid?
Over the years, Lalbaugcha Raja has witnessed countless devotees, many of whom stand in line for more than two days just to get a darshan of the idol. Established in 1934 by the Koli fishermen and traders of Lalbaug, it is popularly known as the Navasacha Ganpati (Ganpati who fulfils all wishes). People who come here to seek blessings often say that even a single glimpse of Lalbaugcha Raja fills them with peace and calm.
Now, did you know about the idol’s yearly halt near a mosque during its visarjan procession? According to Money Control, every year, during the grand Anant Chaturdashi procession, when the Lalbaughcha Raja idol is taken for visarjan, it always follows a tradition. It always pauses at Hindustani Masjid in Byculla. At this mosque, the Muslim community in the area welcomes Bappa with flowers and garlands. Also, sweets are exchanged between Hindus and Muslims. This tradition was started years ago and has now become a symbol of unity, and reflects Mumbai’s spirit of unity in diversity. The tradition started in the late 1980s–90s and now stands as a tradition of communal unity and harmony.
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Lalbaugcha Raja Visarjan
Every year, after pausing at the mosque, the procession moves toward the immersion point. During this time, thousands of devotees come together and chant ‘Ganpati Bappa Morya’ with unmatched enthusiasm. The visarjan of Lord Ganesha is not just about bidding farewell, but also about inviting him to return next year.
For 2025, Anant Chaturdashi, the day that marks the conclusion of Ganesh Chaturthi, will be celebrated on September 6. As always, a huge crowd is expected to gather around the idol, and the farewell will once again feel like a festival in itself. For Mumbai, Lalbaugcha Raja is not just an idol. It is an emotion that brings lakhs of people together.
Have you taken the blessings of Lalbaugcha Raja in Mumbai yet? Let us know in the comments!
Cover Image Courtesy: X/@Bappa_Majha