The first look of Mumbai’s Lalbaugcha Raja has been revealed just in time for Ganesh Chaturthi, which is on Saturday, September 7. Lord Ganesha, sitting proudly on his throne, fills the pandal with a sense of grace and majesty.
About Lalbaugcha Raja:
The Lalbaugcha Raja Ganapati idol is a centerpiece of the Ganesh Chaturthi festival, with its care entrusted to the Kambli family for over 80 years. Situated at the Lalbaugcha Raja Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal in Putlabai Chawl, this revered location has been the heart of Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations since its establishment in 1934. The Lalbaugcha Raja is celebrated as one of the most prominent Ganesh idols in Mumbai, known for its grandeur and the significant role it plays in the festival.
Ganesh Chaturthi is an important Hindu festival that marks the birth of Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed deity who symbolizes wisdom, prosperity, and the removal of obstacles. The festival spans 10 days and is observed with great enthusiasm across India and in various parts of the world. It is believed that during this period, Lord Ganesha descends to Earth with his mother, Goddess Parvati, bringing blessings and joy to devotees.
This year’s Ganesh Chaturthi begins on September 7 and will continue until September 17. The festival is also known as ‘Vinayak Chaturthi’ or ‘Vinayak Chavithi,’ reflecting its deep cultural and religious significance. During these 10 days, people engage in various activities to honor Lord Ganesha. Families bring Ganesha idols into their homes, where they perform elaborate rituals and offer prayers. Special foods, including sweet treats like modaks, which are believed to be Lord Ganesha’s favorite, are prepared and enjoyed. Additionally, people visit pandals—temporary structures set up for communal worship—to take part in the celebrations and show their devotion.
The festival culminates with a grand immersion ceremony, known as visarjan, where Ganesha idols are immersed in water bodies such as rivers or lakes. This final ritual is performed with much fanfare, accompanied by chants, music, and lively processions. The immersion symbolizes the return of Lord Ganesha to his celestial abode, and it marks the end of the festival with a mix of joy and nostalgia.
In addition to the religious and cultural aspects of Ganesh Chaturthi, practical measures are taken to facilitate the celebrations and ease the travel experience for devotees. This year, the Maharashtra government has announced a toll exemption for devotees traveling to Konkan for the festival. The toll waiver will be in effect from September 5 to September 19, covering several major roads that are frequently used by travelers during this period.
The toll exemption applies to various key routes, including the Mumbai-Bengaluru National Highway and the Mumbai-Goa National Highway. It also extends to other roads managed by the Public Works Department. This decision aims to support the smooth and affordable travel of devotees who are heading to Konkan and other destinations for the festival. By removing toll charges, the government hopes to reduce travel costs and make it easier for people to participate in the Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations.
Overall, Ganesh Chaturthi is a time of vibrant celebrations, deep religious significance, and community spirit. The Lalbaugcha Raja Ganapati idol, cared for by the Kambli family, remains a focal point of the festival, drawing thousands of devotees and visitors each year. The combination of religious rituals, cultural activities, and practical support measures such as toll exemptions helps ensure that the festival is both meaningful and accessible for all. As the festival approaches, the excitement and preparations continue, with people eagerly looking forward to celebrating the arrival of Lord Ganesha and participating in the joyful festivities that mark this beloved occasion.
