Ganesh Chaturthi 2025: First look of Mumbais Lalbaugcha Raja wins hearts

New Delhi: The majestic first look of the Lalbaugcha Raja idol was finally revealed amid a grand performance of traditional folk dance and song. Hundreds of enthusiastic devotees were left stunned after getting a glimpse of their favourite deity, revered for blessing his devotees with wisdom, knowledge, prosperity and removing obstacles. During the grand festival of Ganesh Chaturthi, devotees in millions flock annually to Mumbai’s famous Lalbaugcha Raja. It is the most iconic Ganesh idol in the city.

Known as the King of Lalbaug, this revered idol is not only a symbol of devotion but also a cultural landmark. After the grand revelation, it just won hearts. Devotees from across India are gearing up to celebrate the 10-day festival, which will be held from August 27 to September 6 this year. Here's your first look at the Raja of Lalbaug.

This year's Lalbaugcha Raja is beautifully adorned in a purple dhoti and a majestic crown. He holds a chakra in one of his hands. High-spirited devotees present there couldn’t hold their emotions and awe as they immediately started chanting Ganpati Bappa Morya!

The 2025 mandap has a 50-foot idol, attired in a maroon pitambar. It simply appears grand, making this year's theme one of the most enchanting ones.

Almost every Mumbaikar knows about its huge crowds and grandeur, but there are many interesting facts about Lalbaugcha Raja with which many may not be familiar.

The first Lalbaugcha Raja idol was installed in 1934. After losing their livelihoods owing to a popular market’s closure in Lalbaug, the local fishing community and mill workers vowed to Lord Ganesha for a permanent marketplace. When their wishes were fulfilled, they began installing Ganesh idols in gratitude. Since then, Lalbaugcha Raja has been celebrated as the navasacha Ganpati — the Ganesha who fulfils wishes.

Unlike other pandals where devotees line up just for darshan, here, the ‘navasachi line’ is dedicated to those devotees seeking blessings to fulfil their vows, while the ‘mukh darshan line’ is for those who only wish to see the idol.

Annually, around 20 to 25 lakh devotees visit the pandal during the 10 days of Ganesh Chaturthi, showing its popularity. People from across India and even overseas certainly visit and seek blessings.

Darshan for devotees will commence from 5 am to 11 pm every day. Visitors can enter through two gates, namely, Siddhi Gate, where entry is free and Riddhi Gate, where devotees have to pay.

Each devotee is permitted to have darshan for around 10-15 minutes.

Daily rituals include:

Pooja is performed at 6 am, 1 pm, and 7 pm.

Aarti is performed at 7 am, 1 pm and 7 pm.

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Each lasts for around 15 minutes, with special ticketed facilities available for devotees.

If you have never attended the Ganesh Chaturthi festival, make sure to experience it this time. You will certainly be left awe-struck!