Andhericha Raja: The 1966 History And Why Its Visarjan Happens Days After Anant Chaturdashi

Not only for Mumbai, but for the whole of India, Ganesh Visarjan marks an emotional farewell to Bappa. But at one such pandal in Mumbai’s Andheri, one Ganpati continues to stay with devotees even after the city’s major immersion celebrations are over. Known as Andhericha Raja, the idol has a history dating back to 1966 and is known for its distinctive visarjan tradition. Want to know the history behind it? Read on!

The History Of Andhericha Raja

The Azad Nagar Sarvajanik Utsav Samiti was established in 1966 by blue-collar workers from Golden Tobacco Company, Tata Special Steel and Excel Industries. Many of these workers had moved from the Lalbaug-Parel area and settled in Andheri West’s Azad Nagar M.H.B. Colony, closer to their workplaces. Among the founding members were M.K. Menon, Tukaram Salaskar and Vasudev Kasalkar.

What started as a community Ganeshotsav eventually grew into one of Mumbai’s well-known Ganpati celebrations. The name Andhericha Raja, or the King of Andheri, became associated with the idol after an incident in the 1970s involving the mandal’s then chairman, Appa Khanvilkar. According to the mandal’s history, his wish was fulfilled by Lord Ganesha, leading devotees to refer to the deity as “Navasala Pavnara Ganpati”, or the wish-fulfilling Ganesha.

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Why Does Andhericha Raja Stay Back After Anant Chaturdashi?

The most unique part of the tradition is its visarjan. While most major Ganpati idols are immersed on Anant Chaturdashi, the life-size Andhericha Raja is traditionally immersed on Sankashti Chaturdashi, five days later. The smaller puja idol, however, is immersed on Anant Chaturdashi.

The tradition is linked to a period when workers in the surrounding industrial areas faced a prolonged strike. According to the mandal, devotees prayed to Ganesha for a favourable outcome and made a vow that, if their wish was fulfilled, the life-size idol would be immersed on Sankashti. Their wish was fulfilled, and the practice continued as an annual tradition.

Over the years, the delayed visarjan has become one of Andhericha Raja’s defining traditions. The immersion procession also gives devotees in Andheri more time with Bappa. The idol is taken through parts of Andheri before reaching the seashore, with thousands of devotees joining the procession.

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For a festival known for its many traditions, Andhericha Raja’s story is a reminder of how Mumbai’s Ganeshotsav is also shaped by the faith, struggles and promises of the communities that built the city.

So Mumbaikars, if you wish to visit the Ganesh Pandal even after Visarjan, then Andhericha Raja is a must-visit for you.

Cover Image Courtesy: Tanvi Nalin Shrivastava