From market vow to Mumbai icon: Legacy of Lalbaugcha Raja
What began as a humble promise by market vendors in 1934 has grown into Mumbai's grandest Ganesh celebration. Lalbaugcha Raja now draws millions each year, revered as the deity who listens and delivers. This is the story of faith, resilience, and a city's unbreakable bond with its beloved Ganpati.
New Delhi: In the heart of Mumbai, where the rhythm of music beats, the drums roll and people are seen running from one end to the other for the hustle, everyone waits each year to celebrate the welcome of Lord Ganesha during the Ganesh Utsav, this 10 day festival turns city into a grandeur of celebrations, decorations all around with small and big pandals welcoming Bappa in community, drums rolling on the streets, the sadness of Ganesha's visarjan and the most awaited Lalbaugcha Raja's Ganpati idols look is one of the most enhacnting view of the city during August or September.
During the entire 10 days, people from Mumbai, India and across the world plan their visit to take a view of Lalbaugcha Raja's divine look each year. With each year's new theme, it is one of the most awaited Ganpati idols for all the Mumbaikers to come and witness the beauty of.
Well, the Ganpati pandal is famous all over the world. Have you ever wondered what makes it the most magnificent and a must-visit during the festivities? Here is the interesting story that you need to know before visiting the grand pandal.
Why is Lalbaughcha Raja famous?
In the year 1934, when the Lalbaug Market in Mumbai was being relocated, the original market was the hub for working-class families, many of whom were mill workers, fishermen and other small workers, who received notice of shutdown by the British authorities. The local traders vowed to install a sarvajanik Ganesh idol in the area and to worship him for a permanent marketplace, which was later fulfilled upon praying to Lord Ganesha. The traders were allotted a plot in the Lalbaug area, and as promised, they kept their vow. They installed a Ganesha idol that came to be known as Lalbaugcha Raja, or "King of Lalbaug".
More than just an idol, it was a fulfilment of promise and a symbol of belief in God and Karta Dharta to listen to the prayers of those in difficulty. Since then, the celebrations began and have been installing the pandal each year with various themes to welcome Bappa during the festival.
It has become one of th most iconic and largest Ganesh Chaturthi pandals in the country over the years. Organised by the Lalbaugcha Raja Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal, this Ganpati draws an estimated 1.5 million visitors per day during the 10-day festival, which culminates in a grand visarjan procession.