Lalbaugcha Raja Aagman, first look out ahead of Ganesh Chaturthi

Lalbaugcha Raja Aagman 2024: Exclusive First Look as Ganesh Chaturthi Approaches

Written by: Supriya Kadu

Edited by: Omkar Devadkar

Last Updated: September 06, 2024

Summary: Mumbai's most popular Ganesh Mandal, Lalbaugcha Raja, also known as the "King of Lalbaug," is situated in Putlabai Chawl. We have the first look!

The most-awaited ganpati is finally here, Lalbaugcha Raja. The first look was out on Thursday, for the occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi.

A glimpse of the Bappa in his maroon costume mesmerized the devotees. Lalbaugcha Raja, also known as the "King of Lalbaug," is the most popular Ganesh mandal in India's financial hub and is situated in Putlabai Chawl.

Thousands of Mumbaikars, from commoners to celebs, wait in the huge lines at Lalbaug every year in hopes of catching a glimpse of the legendary idol.

Lalbaugcha Raja's history is well-known due to its popular Ganesh idol, Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal, situated in Putlabai Chawl and established as a center of devotion in 1934.

The Kambli family has looked after the Lalbaugcha Raja Ganapati statue for over 80 years.

Maharashtra celebrates Ganesh Chaturthi every year for 10 days. This year the Ganesh Chaturthi falls on September 7. Ten days of joyful celebrations, intricate rituals, and other festivities make up Ganeshotsav. The festival culminates with the grand visarjan, amidst singing and chants, where Ganesha idols are submerged in the water.

Thousands of devotees swarm mandals in Mumbai and other parts of Maharashtra to beg Lord Ganesh's grace on this widely celebrated festival.

Local folklore states that during a time of turmoil, the fishermen and traders in the area prayed to their favorite god, Lord Ganesha, for help. Ganesha answered their prayers by giving them a piece of land that is now the busy Lalbaug market, which the locals saw as a gift from God.

For the divine reward given to them, people chose to dedicate a piece of the land for Ganpati celebrations. Thus, the Lalbaugcha Raja Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal was formed in this place, where the Ganesh idol is placed each year. For 10 days the idol is dressed in various garments and treated like a king.