Key Points
- Grand Unveiling: The first look of Mumbai’s most revered Ganesh idol, Lalbaugcha Raja, was unveiled on the evening of August 24, 2025, to massive crowds and joyous chants of “Ganpati Bappa Morya”.
- Royal Avatar: This year, the majestic idol is adorned in a striking purple dhoti, with a grand crown and holding a chakra. The idol is seated on a magnificent golden throne-like mandap.
- Tirupati Balaji Theme: The mandap for 2025 is designed to resemble the opulent golden palace of Lord Tirupati Balaji, creating a unique and divine setting for the deity.
- Festival Dates: The 92nd Ganeshotsav festival will commence on Ganesh Chaturthi, August 27, 2025, and conclude with the immersion on Anant Chaturdashi, September 6, 2025.
- Living Legacy: The tradition of Lalbaugcha Raja, known as the “one who fulfills wishes,” dates back to 1934 and is crafted by the Kambli family, who have maintained its artistic legacy for over eight decades.
Mumbai: The much-anticipated moment for millions of devotees has arrived as the first glimpse of Mumbai’s famed Lalbaugcha Raja was unveiled on Sunday, August 24. The reveal, held ahead of the Ganesh Chaturthi festival, drew a massive, euphoric crowd, filling the air with devotional songs and chants of “Ganpati Bappa Morya”. The divine sight marked the beginning of the city’s grandest festival.
A Royal and Divine Form
This year, the King of Lalbaug has been presented in a truly majestic form. Key features of the 2025 idol include:
- Regal Attire: The idol is dressed in a vibrant and elegant purple dhoti, a color that immediately captured the hearts of the devotees.
- Golden Throne and Crown: Bappa is seated on a magnificent golden throne, and his head is adorned with a grand, intricately designed crown (mukut). He holds a chakra in one of his hands, adding to his divine and powerful appearance.
The entire mandap (pavilion) has been conceptualized with a special theme for 2025. It is designed to replicate a golden palace, inspired by the famed Tirupati Balaji temple, giving the entire setup an aura of unparalleled grandeur. This unique theme has made this year’s idol particularly special for the devotees who flocked from all over Maharashtra for the first darshan.
A Tradition of Faith Since 1934
The Lalbaugcha Raja Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal is celebrating its 92nd festival this year. The tradition began in 1934 when local fishermen and mill workers, whose prayers for a permanent marketplace were answered, installed the first idol in gratitude. Since then, Lalbaugcha Raja has become known as the Navasacha Ganpati—the Ganesha who fulfills wishes.
The idol is crafted by the Kambli family, who have been the official sculptors for generations, ensuring the unique and consistent look of the deity year after year. The festival is a symbol of faith that transcends communities, with artisans from different backgrounds, including Muslim craftsmen who helped stitch the velvet curtain for the idol, contributing to the festivities.
Festival and Immersion Details
The Ganesh Chaturthi festival will begin on Wednesday, August 27, 2025. Devotees will be able to have darshan of Lalbaugcha Raja for 11 days. The festival will culminate on Anant Chaturdashi, Saturday, September 6, 2025, when the idol will be taken in a grand procession for immersion (visarjan) at Girgaon Chowpatty.
The darshan queues at Lalbaug are legendary, with devotees often waiting for 30 to 40 hours for a glimpse of their beloved deity, a testament to the deep-rooted faith and devotion the idol inspires. As preparations for the festival are in full swing across Mumbai, the unveiling of Lalbaugcha Raja has officially set the stage for another year of grand and heartfelt celebrations.
