Happy Ganesh Chaturthi! Today, Mumbai’s streets are filled with devotion and excitement as people welcome Lord Ganesha into their homes. The story of Lalbaugcha Raja is not just about a famous Ganpati idol, but also about faith and devotion. Every year, millions of devotees visit the Lalbaug pandal during Ganesh Chaturthi to seek blessings from the ‘King of Lalbaug.’ The idol that draws such huge crowds today was created almost a century ago, born from the prayers of mill workers, and has since become a symbol of hope for generations.
The tradition continues with the Pratham Darshan (first glimpse of the idol) that happened yesterday, ahead of the Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations, which this year fall between August 27 and September 6. From the grand decor and mandap lighting to the bhandara (community meals) that feeds thousands of devotees daily, Ganesh Chaturthi is all about devotion, culture, and faith in Lord Ganesha.
How Lalbaugcha Raja was born
The story of Lalbaugcha Raja dates back to 1932, when Mumbai’s textile mill hub, Lalbaug, was home to thousands of mill workers. At the time, the local market in Peru Chawl, where workers bought their daily essentials, was shut down and many families struggled to make a livelihood.
The mill workers prayed to Lord Ganesha, hoping for help in rebuilding their lives and sustaining their livelihoods. Their prayers were answered when a new marketplace was approved in Lalbaug, giving them an opportunity to earn again. Out of gratitude, the workers came together in 1934 to install an idol of Lord Ganesha.
What started as a small, heartfelt effort by ordinary workers grew into one of Mumbai’s largest and most popular Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations. Over the years, the idol became known as ‘Navsacha Ganpati’ the wish-fulfilling Ganesha and the tradition continues to attract devotees from all walks of life.
Why Lalbaugcha Raja is special
Lalbaugcha Raja is not just Mumbai’s most famous Ganpati, it’s an emotion. The 14-foot idol is iconic, but what truly draws millions is the faith attached to it. For generations, devotees have believed that prayers made here never go unanswered. This is why people travel not only from different corners of India but also from abroad, just to stand in front of the Raja and bow their heads in hope.
The Kambli family who brings the Lalbaughcha Raja to life
What’s special is that the famous face of Lalbaugcha Raja is created every year by one family, the Kambli family. It was the late sculptor Madhusudan Donduji Kambli who first gave the Raja his regal look in the 1930s. Since then, the Kambli family has carried forward this artistic legacy. Every year, they recreate the idol in their Lalbaug workshop, making sure the Raja looks as grand as devotees remember. Today, the responsibility is with Santosh Ratnakar Kambli, who continues this tradition with dedication. For the family, sculpting the idol is more than just art, it is a form of devotion. With each detail, they bring the Raja to life, keeping alive a tradition that has continued for over 90 years.
Lalbaugcha Raja Pratham Darshan 2025
The first darshan of Lalbaugcha Raja was held yesterday, giving devotees their very first glimpse of Mumbai’s most famous Ganpati idol. People lined up for hours, and some even waited through the night, just to be among the first to see the idol and take blessings. The energy and faith could be felt in the air with chants of ‘Ganpati Bappa Morya. For many, this first darshan feels like the true start of Ganesh Chaturthi and sets the mood for ten days of joy, devotion, and celebrations.
Lalbaugcha Raja 2025: Pandal decorations, Aarti Timings
Every Ganesh Chaturthi, Mumbai comes alive with devotion, but nothing matches the magic of Lalbaugcha Raja. Ganesh Chaturthi this year will be celebrated from August 27 to September 6. During these 10 days, devotees will perform aartis, and offer modaks (Ganesha’s favorite sweet) to Lord Ganesha. The iconic idol at Putlabai Chawl in Lalbaug has been Mumbai’s pride since 1934, when it was first created after the heartfelt prayers of mill workers. What began as a symbol of hope for a struggling community has now become one of the most visited Ganesh mandals in the world.
Lalbaugcha Raja: Pandal decoration 2025
Each year, the pandal is designed around a fresh theme, inspired by mythology, famous temples, or cultural traditions. In 2025, the entrance itself has become a showstopper, crafted in the shape of a giant elephant head, adorned with detailed ornaments that sparkle as devotees enter.
Darshan and aarti timings of Lalbaugcha Raja 2025
According to Lalbaughcharaja website, darshan timings this year will be from 5 am to 11 pm. Devotees can take Charan Sparsha Darshan (touching the idol’s feet for blessings) and Mukh Darshan (viewing the idol’s face) from 6 am to 11 pm. For those unable to visit in person, live online darshan is also available.
Aarti timings at Lalbaugcha Raja 2025
At Lalbaugcha Raja in 2025, the aarti will be performed four times a day. The morning aarti is from 7:00 to 7:30 am, the midday aarti from 12:00 to 12:30 pm, the evening aarti from 7:00 to 7:30 pm, and the night aarti from 10:00 to 10:30 pm.
Over the years, Lalbaugcha Raja has drawn Bollywood stars, cricketers, and political leaders, all eager to seek blessings. But what makes the mandal truly special is its spirit of equality. Whether you’re a celebrity or a common devotee, everyone waits with the same faith and patience for darshan.
Ganesh Chaturthi 2025: Visarjan
The 10-day festival comes to an end with Ganesh Visarjan, where the idol is taken out in a grand procession to Girgaon Chowpatty for immersion. The journey of Lalbaugcha Raja during visarjan is nothing short of legendary as devotees dance, sing, and chant ‘Ganpati Bappa Morya, Pudhchya Varshi Lavkar Ya’ (O Lord, come again soon next year).
