Watch | Ganesh Chaturthi 2023: First look of Mumbai’s famous Lalbaugcha Raja unveiled

The Lalbaugcha Raja Ganesh Mandal, known for spectacular Ganpati festival celebrations in Mumbai, unveiled the first look of its iconic idol of Lord Ganesh on Friday. Lalbaugcha Raja, situated in the Lalbaug area of the city, is one of the most popular Ganesh idols in Mumbai. The devotees and the members of the Mandal unveiled the first look of the huge Ganesh idol with all traditional fervour.

The glimpses of the idol were shared by a news agency ANI on X (formerly Twitter).

This year, the 10-day Ganpati festival will be celebrated across Maharashtra from September 19 to September 28.

Lalbaugcha Raja, often referred to as the King of Lalbaug, is located in Putlabai Chawl and it is one of the most visited Ganesh mandals in Mumbai. From commoners to celebrities, thousands of devotees flock to Lalbaug every year, enduring long queues for a glimpse of the iconic idol.

According to Balasaheb Kamble, the president of the Mandal, this year the Lalbaugcha Raja puja pandal will depict the Raigad Fort, Mid Day reported.

“This year we will be making Raigad Fort to mark the 350th coronation anniversary, and it will be the last decor designed by the late Nitin Desai for our pandal. He has been designing the pandal decor since 2008. We are planning to pay homage as a mark of respect to the late Nitin Desai,” Kamble told Mid Day.

As this year marks the 350th anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's coronation, three of Mumbai's major Ganpati mandals - Lalbagcha Raja, Mumbaicha Raja and Andhericha Raja - are all set to replicate the historic Raigad Fort.

The Lalbaugcha Raja idol is known for its huge size and this year the Mandal is istalling a 12-feet idol. What sets this idol apart is that it is meticulously handcrafted on-site, eliminating the need for the traditional aagman procession (arrival ceremony).

Lalbaugcha Raja has a rich history. It represents the Ganesha idol of the Lalbaugcha Raja Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal, formerly known as Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal, Lalbaug. Established in 1934 at Lalbaug Market by the Koli community, the mandal originated from a vow to construct the present Lalbaug Market.

This pledge was made after the closure of the marketplace at Peru Chawl in 1932. To express their gratitude, the fishermen and traders installed the Ganesha idol on September 12, 1934. This idol, adorned in the traditional attire of fishermen, is believed to grant devotees' wishes. The formation of this Mandal coincided with the peak of the freedom struggle.