Ganesh Chaturthi 2024: Ganesh Chaturthi is a major Hindu festival celebrated on the fourth day of the bright fortnight of the month of Bhadrapada. This year, Ganesh Chaturthi was observed on September 7, 2024, and it will conclude on September 17, 2024.
The Ganesh Utsav festival lasts for 10 days, and its grandeur and celebrations are particularly notable in Maharashtra. During this 10-day Ganesh festival, various pandals are set up across Mumbai. Among them, the Lalbaugcha Raja, located near the Lalbaug Police Station in Central Mumbai, is especially renowned.
History of Lalbaugcha Raja Navsacha Ganpati
The Lalbaugcha Raja Public Ganeshotsav Mandal was established in 1934 and is located in the Lalbaug-Parel area of Mumbai. This Ganesh Mandal attracts millions of visitors during its 10-day festival. This renowned Ganpati is known as ‘Navsacha Ganpati,’ which means the Ganpati who fulfills wishes. Every year, a queue of approximately 5 kilometers forms for darshan. The idol of Lalbaug's Ganesh is immersed on the tenth day at Girgaon Chowpatty.
The Mandal was founded during the peak of the freedom struggle. Lokmanya Tilak used the 'public Ganeshotsav' as a medium to raise awareness against British rule. The event not only involved religious duties but also discussions on the freedom struggle and social issues. During the Ganesh festival in Mumbai, all eyes are on 'Lalbaugcha Raja,' who is also referred to as 'the Ganesh of wishes.'
How Did Lalbaugcha Raja Gain Fame?
The Mandal was started by local fishermen. As many people’s wishes were fulfilled here, the crowd began to grow. Another factor contributing to its fame is its proximity to the Ganesh idol in “Ganesh Galli” or “Mumbai’s King.” The Ganesh Galli pandal is located near Lalbaugcha Raja, and sometimes the queue there would extend all the way to Lalbaugcha Raja, leading people to visit both places, creating long lines at Lalbaugcha Raja as well.
As more people’s wishes were fulfilled, the popularity of Lalbaugcha Raja grew, attracting visitors from abroad. After 2001, the Mandal began receiving significant media coverage, and Lalbaugcha Raja started making headlines. Prominent leaders, industrialists, Bollywood celebrities, cricketers, and social workers also began visiting. It is believed that a sincere visit to Lalbaugcha Raja can fulfill one’s wishes.
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