Ganesh Chaturthi Celebrations 2026:The first look of Lalbaugcha Raja, or King of Lalbaug, also known as Navasacha Ganpati or wish-fulfilling Ganesha, was unveiled with traditional music and prayers in Lalbaug Market, Mumbai, Maharashtra, on Friday. Thousands of devotees gathered at the pandal to get the first glimpse of the iconic Lalbaugcha Raja, marking the beginning of the 10-day Ganesh festival.

Devotees Gather To Get First Glimpse Of Lalbaugcha Raja

Devotees filled with enthusiasm for Ganesh Chaturthi gathered this evening to get the first glimpse of Lalbaugcha Raja. Bappa's darshan was sought by a huge crowd, who were seen seeking blessings. The iconic Ganesh idol, housed at the Lalbaugcha Raja Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal, is a central attraction during this vibrant festival, drawing thousands of worshippers seeking blessings from the revered deity. The first look of the Lalbaugcha Raja for this year's festival was unveiled. The grand reveal set the stage for the festival, which is one of Mumbai's most anticipated events.

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The history of the Lalbaugcha Raja has been quite famous as it is the popular Ganesh Idol of Lalbaugcha Raja Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal, located at Putlabai Chawl, a worship place founded in 1934. The idol and its celebrations are managed by the Kambli family, who have been custodians of this revered image for over 80 years. Not only in Mumbai, devotees offered prayers to Lord Ganesh at Shree Siddhi Vinayak Ganpati Raja Mandir, in Rajkot.

Ganesh Chaturthi, a ten-day festival commencing on the fourth day of the Hindu lunisolar month of Bhadrapada, is set to begin on September 14. This festival, also known as Vinayak Chaturthi or Vinayak Chavithi, honours Lord Ganesha, the 'God of New Beginnings' and the 'Remover of Obstacles,' celebrating his wisdom and intelligence.

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The festival is marked by an outpouring of devotion and enthusiasm across Mumbai and Maharashtra. Homes and public pandals are adorned with elaborate decorations, and the air is filled with prayers, music, and festive chants. The streets come alive with vibrant processions and traditional rituals, as people prepare delicious offerings and visit the beautifully decorated pandals.

The organiser, Lalbaugcha Raja Public Ganeshotsav Mandal, in a statement, said like in the previous year, this year too, the Bhadrapada Ganeshotsav will be celebrated with great enthusiasm from Monday, September 14 to Friday, September 25, 2026.

"A photo session of Lalbaugcha Raja has been organised for all media representatives before this Ganeshotsav festival. Today, Friday, September 11, 2026, at 7 pm, the first darshan of Lalbaugcha Raja, the public Ganeshotsav Mandal 'Lalbaugcha Raja' 2026, will be held at Lalbaug Market," it added.

"All media representatives coming for news coverage should carry the press ID of their news paper and news channel. Only representatives with press ID will be allowed access to the media stage," Balasaheb Kamble, president, Lalbaugcha Raja Public Ganeshotsav Mandal, said.

Digital Darshan Of Lalbaugcha Raja Is Available On Social Media Platforms

Meanwhile, the first glimpse of Lalbaugcha Raja can be seen on the official website of the Mandal, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, IOS and Android App.

YouTube Channel: https://youtube.com/@lalbaugraja?si=Qe8pLceMlz66o6Nx

Website: https://lalbaugcharaja.com/MR/

Facebook Page: https://m.facebook.com/LalbaugchaRaja

Instagram account: https://instagram.com/lalbaugcharaja

X(Twitter) account: Posts by LalbaugchaRaja 

(With ANI Inputs)