During the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India, the imposing 12-foot idol of Lalbaugcha Raja, a revered symbol of Lord Ganesha’s presence, was unveiled in South Mumbai. This iconic idol, beloved by Mumbaikars and an important part of the city’s cultural and religious heritage, was first installed in 1934 by the Lalbaug Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal.
The Lalbaugcha Raja idol is known for its grandeur, with intricate ornaments, clothing, and a majestic backdrop meticulously prepared over several months by devotees and artisans. This spectacle draws a large crowd of devotees from Mumbai and beyond, who queue for hours to catch a glimpse and seek Lord Ganesha’s blessings.
Hindu devotees widely believe that Lalbaugcha Raja is a “Navsacha Ganpati,” or “fulfiller of wishes.” They go to the idol to pray and make requests, hoping that their wishes will be granted before the idol is immersed in water on Anant Chaturdashi, which marks the end of the Ganesh Chaturthi festival.
The main pandal, which houses the Lalbaugcha Raja idol, is located at the Lalbaug Police Station in South Mumbai’s Lalbaug Market. Devotees typically begin queuing on Babasahed Ambedkar Road, with approximately 5,000 people present at any given time at the darshan venue.
In recent years, organisers have made a “live darshan” or virtual viewing of Lalbaugcha Raja available to devotees via webcams and live streams, allowing a global audience to share in the spirit of devotion, unity, and celebration that envelops the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai.
This year’s darshan will begin with an aarti at 4 AM on September 19, 2023, and will be open 24 hours a day until the visarjan (immersion) day on September 28, 2023.
The following platforms are available for those who want to see Lalbaugcha Raja live:
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