WATCH: First Look of Mumbai's Lalbaugcha Raja Ahead of Ganesh Chaturthi

Bappa is here! The eagerly awaited first look of Mumbai’s Lalbaugcha Raja was unveiled on Thursday ahead of Ganesh Chaturthi.

Devotees were spellbound by a glimpse of the bappa, dressed in maroon colour attire. Located in Putlabai Chawl, Lalbaugcha Raja or ‘King of Lalbaug’  is the most visited Ganesh mandal in India’s financial capital. From a commoner to celebrities, lakhs of Mumbaikars stand in Lalbaug’s long queues every year to get a glimpse of the iconic idol.

The Ganapati festival, beginning September 7, is a major celebration in Maharashtra.  Ganeshotsav spans ten days of joyous celebrations, elaborate rituals, and other festivities and concludes with the grand visarjan, where Ganesha idols are immersed in water bodies amidst chants and music.

Preparation for the festival has begun with great pomp and show. Idol makers are making eco-friendly statues of Lord Ganesh, with the market bustling with full festive fervour in the city. Sculptors are busy giving final touches to the idols of Lord Ganesha.

‘KING OF LALBAUG’: History

The history of Lalbaug dates back to the early 1900s, when the Parel area was predominantly characterized by its bustling textile mills. As industrialization surged in the 1930s, these mills faced significant upheavals, which had a profound impact on both the local community and their livelihood.

According to local legend, during a period of upheaval, fishermen and traders in the area turned to their beloved deity, Lord Ganesha, seeking assistance. In response to their prayers, they were gifted a plot of land that now forms the bustling Lalbaug market. The community viewed this gift as a divine blessing from Ganesha.

In reverence to their divine blessing, the locals chose to dedicate a section of the land for Ganpati celebrations. Thus, the Lalbaugcha Raja Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal was established on this site, where the Ganesh idol is installed each year. The idol is adorned in various attires and celebrated as a king during the festival.

Over the years, the scale and grandeur of these celebrations have expanded significantly. The festival now features elaborate pandal competitions, with each one striving to outdo the others in magnificence and creativity.