Ganesh Chaturthi 2023: 7 Unknown Facts About Lalbaugcha Raja Ganpati Pandal In Mumbai

Ganesh Chaturthi 2023: The festivities of Ganesh Chaturthi have begun from today 19th September 2023. The auspicious Ganeshotsav will be celebrated till 28th September 2023, Anant Chaturdashi. During the Ganesh Chaturthi celebration, the Sarvajanik (public) Lord Ganesha idol is kept in Lalbaug, a suburb of Mumbai in Maharashtra. This idol is known as Lalbaugcha Raja, which translates to "The King of Lalbaug." At Girgaon Chowpatty, this idol is displayed for 11 days for Darshans until the Anant Chaturdashi (Ganpati Visarjan), after which it is immersed in the Arabian Sea. During the 10-day Ganesha Chaturthi celebration, more than 1.5 million pilgrims visit this majestic Pandal every day because they think that this celestial Ganesha statue is Navasacha Ganpati, which means "one who fulfils all wishes." Famous celebrities, in addition to locals, flock to this enormous pandal to seek Lord Ganpati's blessings. Let us know some of the unknown and interesting facts about the gigantic and significant Lalbaugcha Raja Ganpati Pandal. 

Ganesh Chaturthi 2023: 7 Unknown Facts About Lalbaugcha Raja 

1. Origin Of The Pandal - The Lalbaugcha Raja Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal's well-known Ganesha idol is named Lalbaugcha Raja. Fishermen from the Koli community founded the mandal, originally known as "Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal, Lalbaug," in 1934 at the Lalbaug Market.

2. History Of Lalbaugcha Raja - The Mandal came into being as a result of Navas's promise to construct the existing Lalbaug Market where it is now. The Peru Chawl market was shut down in 1932. As a result, the fishermen and open-air sellers made a vow to Lord Ganesha to construct a permanent home for their market. With the assistance of Kuwarji Jethabhai Shah, Shyamrao Vishnu Bodhe, V. B. Korgaonkar, Ramchandra Tawate, Nakhawa Kokam Mama, Bhausaheb Shinde, U. A. Rao, and the residents. Landlord Rajabai Tayyabali agreed to dedicate a site for the market. In appreciation, the fishermen and merchants constructed the Ganesha idol on September 12, 1934, and it has since become customary to worship Ganpati as Lalbaugcha Raja every year. 

3. Beliefs Of The Devotees - The ardent worshippers of Lord Ganpati believe the magnificent Lalbaugcha Raja idol of Lord Ganpati grants all of their wishes. The Mandal was created during a time when the struggle for freedom was at its height. 

Since the year 1934, Mumbai residents have been enjoying the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Maharashtra with Lalbaugcha Raja. (Image Source: Lalbaugcha Raja Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal) 

4. Sculptor Of The Lalbaugcha Raja Idol - The Lalbaugcha Raja Ganapati statue has been treasured by the Kambli family for more than eighty years. Ratnakar Kambli Jr. is the artist and creator of the Lalbaugcha Raja Ganesha idol. He receives assistance from even his sons in creating the idol. At the Kambli Arts studio, an idol between 18 and 20 feet tall is made every year. The unveiling of this majestic Ganapati idol is celebrated in style in both Mumbai and elsewhere.

5. Darshans Of Lalbaugcha Raja - Notably, there are two lines - the Navsachi line and the Mukh Darshanachi line for receiving the Lalbaugcha Raja's blessings. The first one allows participants to go on stage, touch the deity's feet, and receive his blessings in order to have their desires granted. The second enables worshipers to see the idol from a slight distance.

Also Read: 5 Must Visit Lord Ganesha Temples In India

6. First-Ever Celebration Halt - For the first time in its 86-year history, the Lalbaugcha Raja Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal cancelled its customary celebrations in 2020 because of the COVID-19 Pandemic and instead concentrated on a campaign to spread awareness of the epidemic. 

7. Grand Procession Celebration - The biggest immersion procession in the entire country is held in Mumbai's Lalbaugcha Raja. The immersion process begins at 10;00 AM in the morning and is completed at dawn the next day. 

(Disclaimer: This is based on general public information. Jagran English does not confirm its veracity. Before adopting any measures, consult an expert from the relevant field.)