The Lalbaugcha Raja Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal unveiled this year’s idol on Friday, September 15. This time, the Lalbaugcha Raja idol is presented on a throne designed to resemble the throne of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj during his era.
The inaugural glimpse of the Lalbaugcha Raja idol was marked by traditional folk dance and music performances.
This year, the Mandal is gearing up to celebrate the Ganeshotsav festival in its customary fashion. Lalbaugcha Raja’s pandal is renowned as one of the most frequented in Mumbai during the festival season. Every year, thousands of devotees converge on Lalbaug to offer their prayers to the Lalbaugcha Raja idol.
The chosen theme for this year’s Mandal is Raigad Fort, and it holds special significance as it represents the final decor conceived by the late Nitin Desai, a renowned art director, for the Lalbaugcha Raja pandal.
Shortly before the festival commences, the Lalbaugcha Raja Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal shared this year’s idol with the public.
Each year, the Mandal meticulously arranges facilities and accommodations for the devotees who visit the pandal during the ten-day grand festival.
Balasaheb Kamble, the president of the Mandal, confirmed the theme of Raigad Fort for Lalbaugcha Raja. Kamble mentioned, “This year, we will be crafting Raigad Fort to commemorate the 350th coronation anniversary, and it will be the final decor envisioned by the late Nitin Desai for our pandal. He has been the creative mind behind our pandal decor since 2008. As a mark of respect to the late Nitin Desai, we are planning to pay homage.”
Given that this year marks the 350th anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s coronation, three major Ganpati mandals in Mumbai, including Lalbaugcha Raja, Mumbaicha Raja, and Andhericha Raja, have all chosen to replicate Raigad Fort in their decorations.
Devotees are eagerly looking forward to celebrating the Ganpati festival, set to commence next week on September 19.
In other news, the Maharashtra government has declared toll exemptions for vehicles traveling to the Konkan region for the Ganpati festival. This toll exemption will be in effect from September 16 to October 1.
The toll exemption applies to highways such as the Mumbai-Bengaluru highway, Mumbai-Goa highway, and other roads under the PWD. Additionally, MRSTC buses are also exempted from toll charges during this period.
