1. History

Lalbaugcha Raja is a Sarvajanik (public) Ganesha idol kept in Lalbaug, a neighbourhood in Mumbai, Maharashtra, during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival. During the Ganesh Chaturthi festival, the Sarvajanik Ganesha idol known as Lalbaugcha Raja is kept at Lalbaug, a neighbourhood in Mumbai in the Indian state of Maharashtra. On the day of Anant Chaturdashi, the idol offers darshan to the faithful for 11 days before being submerged in the Arabian Sea at Girgaon Chowpatty. Over 1.5 million pilgrims visit the Ganesha idol's display area every day during the ten-day Ganesha Chaturthi festival because of the belief that this Ganesha idol, Navasacha Ganpati, embodies. The Lalbaugcha Raja turned 90 years old in 2023.

The Mandal, formerly known as 'Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal, Lalbaug', was founded in 1934 at Lalbaug Market by Koli fishermen. The 'Mandal' was founded as a result of a vow (Navas) for the construction of the current Lalbaug Market in its current location. Peru Chawl's marketplace closed in 1932. As a result, the fishermen and vendors who used to sit in the open space vowed to Ganesha to build a permanent location for their market. With the help of Kuwarji Jethabhai Shah, Shyamrao Vishnu Bodhe, V. B. Korgaonkar, Ramchandra Tawate, Nakhawa Kokam Mama, Bhausaheb Shinde, U. A. Rao, and local residents, landlord Rajabai Tayyabali agreed to dedicate a plot for the market. On September 12, 1934, fishermen and traders established the Ganesha idol in thanks. The idol was dressed in the traditional fishermen's attire. This idol is said to grant the wishes of devotees. The Mandal was established during the height of the freedom struggle. Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic in 2020, the Lalbaugcha Raja Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal canceled its traditional festivities for the first time in its 86-year history, instead focusing on a virus awareness campaign.

2. Caretaker

The Kambli family has guarded the Lalbaugcha Raja Ganapati idol for over eight decades. Ratnakar Kambli (the Kambli family's head) was an idol sculptor who had roaming exhibitions at festivals throughout Maharashtra. He started guarding the idol in 1935 after some of his friends suggested his name to the organizers. After his death in 1952, his eldest son Venkatesh took over, and after his death in 2002, Ratnakar Kambli Jr. took over. Ratnakar and his sons currently make and protect the idol at Kambli Arts. The family also makes smaller versions of Lalbaugcha Raja for private use during the festival. One of the idols created was destined for the festival at the home of actress Shilpa Shetty. Kambli Arts crafts the parts of the Lalbaugcha Raja idol in its workshop before transporting them to the display area to be assembled and painted. Finally, Ratnakar, who is approaching the age of 80, goes to the pandal and draws the eyes. The height is approximately 5-6 meters (18-20 feet).

3. Why known as Navsacha Ganpati

What distinguishes Navsacha Ganpati Lalbaughcha Raja from other idols is its unique ability to grant wishes. "Navsacha" means "the fulfiller of all wishes," and devotees believe that praying to this idol with complete faith can result in miracles in their lives. During the festival, the atmosphere around the temple is electric, with people from all walks of life gathering to seek blessings and offer prayers. Navsacha Ganpati Lalbaughcha Raja's grandeur and beauty are breathtaking. The idol is approximately 20 feet tall and is adorned with intricate jewelry and vibrant clothing. The decorations that surround the idol are painstakingly crafted by skilled artisans who work for months to prepare for this auspicious occasion. Devotees wait for hours in long queues just for a glimpse or an opportunity to touch the feet of this divine idol. People come bearing offerings such as flowers, sweets, fruits, and coconuts as a token of their love and devotion towards Lord Ganesha. The significance behind Navsacha Ganpati Lalbaughcha Raja goes beyond its physical appearance. It symbolizes the power of faith and the belief that with devotion, anything is possible. The idol serves as a beacon of hope for millions, reminding them to stay positive and steadfast in their pursuit of happiness. The Lalbaugcha Raja Ganpati is frequently referred to as the wish-fulfilling Ganpati or Navasacha Ganpati. Navas or Charan-Sparsh Darshan. There is a queue here for people who want to touch the idol's feet to receive blessings. The wait time is typically 12 to 15 hours, indicating that it is more in demand.

4. Lalbaugcha Raja visarjan

An annual celebration called Lalbaugcha Raja Visarjan takes place in Mumbai, India. The ten-day Ganesh Chaturthi festival, during which Lord Ganesha is revered with great fervour and enthusiasm, comes to an end on this day. Millions of worshippers from all over the city gather for the visarjan, or immersion ceremony, of Lalbaugcha Raja, one of the most revered idols of Lord Ganesha in Mumbai. At its recognizable pandal in Lalbaug, the Lalbaugcha Raja bids a grand farewell before the visarjan procession gets underway. The idol is then carried through the streets while worshippers chant and sing. As people dance and sing devotional songs in honor of Lord Ganesha, the atmosphere is electrified with excitement. At Girgaum Chowpatty beach, where the procession ends, the idol is submerged in the Arabian Sea to raucous applause and cries of "Ganpati Bappa Morya!" (Hail Lord Ganesha!). This ceremony represents saying goodbye to Lord Ganesha as he departs for his heavenly abode. For devotees, the visarjan ceremony is of great significance because it symbolizes letting go of worldly desires and asking for blessings for a prosperous future. It also represents the harmony among those who come together to celebrate this auspicious occasion from various walks of life. Overall, Lalbaugcha Raja Visarjan is a cultural extravaganza that highlights Mumbaikars' rich heritage and devotion to Lord Ganesha in addition to being a religious celebration.

5. Conclusion

In conclusion, devotees have a special place in their hearts for Navsacha Ganpati Lalbaughcha Raja. Its capacity to grant wishes and the splendor that surrounds it on Ganesh Chaturthi make it a recognizable image of devotion and faith. Millions of people continue to be inspired by this idol, serving as a constant reminder that miracles are possible with unwavering faith.

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