Mumbai: With just three days remaining until Ganesh Chaturthi, Mumbai’s iconic Lalbaugcha Raja has been unveiled. On Friday, hundreds of people flocked to the Lalbaug locality to catch a glimpse of the revered ‘Bappa’. The 10-day Ganesh festivities are set to commence on September 19.
Lalbaugcha Raja, also known as the ‘King of Lalbaug’ and situated in Putlabai Chawl, stands as the most frequented Ganesh idol in Mumbai. Each year, a multitude of devotees converge upon the Lalbaugh market to pay their respects to Lalbaugcha Raja.
Also referred to as Vinayaka Chaturthi or Vinayaka Chavithi, this festival ranks among India’s most anticipated, widely celebrated, and popular occasions. The fervor, zeal, and happiness associated with this event are unmatched, forming an extensive 10-day Hindu festival.
LALBAUGCHA RAJA
Established in 1934, Lalbaugcha Raja stands as one of Mumbai’s renowned mandals, drawing hundreds, including politicians and Bollywood luminaries, during the 10-day festivities.
This year, the Lalbaugcha Raja Ganeshotsav Mandal has secured insurance coverage worth Rs 26.54 crore from New India Assurance. The coverage encompasses a range of risks, encompassing fire, theft, accidents, stampedes, acts of terrorism, and even potential issues stemming from Prasad, as reported by the Times of India.
With Ganesh Chaturthi merely three days away, Mumbai is abuzz with anticipation as pandals prepare to bring in their grand idols from workshops, and families gear up to welcome their household deities. Idol makers across the city have been toiling tirelessly in the lead-up to this 10-day extravaganza.
However, Mumbaikars tend to be discerning when it comes to their ‘Bappa’. While some have been purchasing idols from the same shop for over a decade, others prefer their Ganesha to be crafted to their precise specifications. Sunil Panchal, the proprietor of an idol store in central Mumbai’s Lalbaug area, attests to creating idols for 300 customers each year.
