Ganesh Chaturthi 2024: Interesting facts about Mumbai’s famous Lalbaugcha Raja
The first look of Mumbai’s most famous Ganpati, Lalbaugcha Raja, has been released. Ahead of Ganesh Chaturthi, we look at the story of the deity, who attracts close to 1.5 crore devotees every year
The history Lalbaugcha Raja Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal was founded in the year 1934 in Mumbai’s Lalbaug market. The earliest mandal comprised local fishermen and traders.
The family who makes the idolRatnakar Kambli Jr is the artist and sculptor who makes the famous Lalbaugcha Raja Ganesha idol. The Kambli family has been creating the murti for 89 years now.
The 14-feet idolWhen the idol was first made in 1935, it was five feet. Over the years, the size kept increasing and today it stands at 14 feet.
The boondi ladooShree Bhawani Caterers has been making the boondi laddoos offered to Lalbaugcha Raja for years. Made by 250 people, these lip-smacking ladoos are distributed as Bappa’s prasad to devotees.
1.5 crore devoteesAt least 1.5 crore devotees visit the Lalbaughcha Raja every year with many queuing up for up to seven hours and more. Politicians and Bollywood personalities visit the mandal. Home Minister Amit Shah offered prayers last year.
Rs 33 crore insurance Lalbaugcha Raja mandal has secured insurance worth Rs 32.76 crore this year.
Donations The mandal receives generous donations from devotees. In 2023, it received cash donations worth Rs 5 crore and gold and silver jewellery worth Rs 2 crore. The auctioned jewellery and money are used for social work.
‘Live’ darshanMany people cannot visit the mandal and hence a darshan is aired online from the Lalbaughcha Raja official YouTube channel.
Ganesh visarjanThe celebration begins on Ganesh Chaturthi, which falls on 7 September. It ends with the immersion of the idol at Girgaum Chowpatty on Anant Chaturdashi (17 September).