Lalbaugcha Raja is one of the Most Popular Ganpati in all over Maharashtra, every year during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival, millions of devotees visited to Lalbaugcha Raja to take the blessings of Lord Ganesh. For Real Devotees it’s not just festival, it is like a big family gathering where all members come together to show love and devotion. Let Us explore the journey through the history, dates, and what makes this festival so special.
Lalbaugcha Raja History:
The Lalbaugcha Raja mandal was founded in 1934 by a group of fisherman and traders.
at that time, the Lalbaug market was located at Peru Chawl (पेरू चॉल), but it was shut down in 1932. The fisherman and peoples who used to sit in the open place vowed to Ganesh that if he helped them build a permanent market, they would celebrate his festival for lifetime with great Joy and enthusiasm.
Their Prayers were answered and in 1934, the Lalbaug market was constructed at its current location. As a token of Gratitude, the fisherman and traders founded the “Lalbaugcha Raja Sarvajanik Ganeshostav Mandal”
Lord Ganesha at Lalbaugcha Raja is known for its kindness and is believed to fulfil the wishes of devotees. Over the years, Lalbaugcha Raja has become a symbol of faith and unity of people in India. There is also increase in visitors in India due to such a Great festival.
Date and Location of Lalbaugcha Raja:
Lalbaugcha Raja 2023 holds a special place in everyone’s heart. This year, the festival is scheduled to begin on 19th September and end on 28 September and this time location of Lalbaugcha Raja is “Lalbaug Police Station in the Lalbaug Market are of Mumbai, India” at this place millions of people visited during this festival so for those who planning to visit the Lalbaugcha Raja, a map or direction will guide you to this sacred location.
Theme of Lalbaugcha Raja 2023
The Theme of Lalbaugcha Raja 2023 is Raigad Fort. Lalbaugcha Raja Mandal has chosen this theme to give tribute to Shree Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and to celebrate 350th anniversary of Shree Chhatrapati Shivjai Maharaj’s Rajyabhishek (coronation).
Raigad Fort is historic fort located in the Sahyadri mountains of Maharashtra, India. Raigad fort was the capital of the Maratha Empire during the region of Shree Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
The Lalbaugcha Raja mandal has also planned a number of Cultural Events and activities to celebrate the Raigad Fort theme at this Ganesh Chaturthi festival. These events will include Marathi traditional dance performance and Act and lectures on Maratha history and culture.
This year theme will inspire the devotees to learn more about Maratha history and culture to celebrate the values of unity, strength and consistency.
Lalbaugcha Raja 2023 Highlights and Attraction
The Lalbaugcha Raja festival is one of the most popular and prestigious events in Mumbai. It is a time for people from all walks of life to come together and celebrate the Ganesh Chaturthi festival.
The festival is known for its grand Mandal which has been celebrating this event for 90 years and also famous for its Decorations and Virant Atmosphere, when you will be at this place when somebody say loudly “GANPATI BAAPA MORYA” at that time you will get to know what the Real Feel of this Grand Event. Now lets see some of the highlights and attraction of the Lalbaugcha Raja Festival:
- The Ganpati Murti (idol of Lord Ganpati)
The Lalbaugcha Raja idol is one of the most popular and well known in Mumbai. It is known for its size and artistic details. The height of Lalbaugcha Raja is 12 feet this time. In 2022, it was 14 feet and it is made of clay which is eco-friendly. It is decorated with a Beautiful Crown, jewellery and other ornaments.
- Special Rituals and Ceremonies
A number of special rituals and ceremonies take place during the Lalbaugcha Raja festivals.
One of the most popular rituals is the Abhishek. During this ritual, the idol of Lord Ganesh is bathed with milk, honey, yogurt, Pancha-Amrut and other sacred substances.
Another popular ritual is the Aarti. Aarti take place twice in a one day specifically at 12:30 PM and 08:30 PM so if you can manage to visit in this time your will feel the true devoutness. During the Aarti devotees (Bhakts) sing Ganapti Aarti which starts from
Sukhkarta Dukhharta, Varta Vighnachi ||
Nurvi Purvi Prema Kripa Jayachi ||
Which means “Oh Lord Ganesh, who provides Joy, takes away Sadness and removes all “vighnas” (obstacles) in life. You spread love everywhere as your blessing”.
- Cultural performances, processions, and activities
The Lalbaugcha Raja festival also organise number of cultural performance and activities. These activities are organised to entertain and educate devotees (Bhakt) about the rich culture and heritage of Marathi Sanskriti of Maharashtra.
Some of the most popular cultural performances at the Lalbaugcha Raja Festival includes following activities:
- Lezim: Lezim is a traditional Maratha dance that is performed by both men and women. The dancers wear colourful costumes and dance on beat of drums and Sambhal which is played by Dhol pathak. This dance is already taught in some schools in Maharashtra, so every age group from children to senior citizens took the part in this dance.
- Lavani: Lavani is another traditional Marathi dance that is known for energetic and sensual movements. This time famous Lavani dancer are arranged to perform on this event.
- Powada: One of the oldest forms of folk music that tells stories while singing about the bravery of Maratha warriors. If you listen carefully and have knowledge of Marathi language, then you feel Goose booms. It’s such amazing experience if you listen to this music live with surrounded by 100’s of energetic peoples.
In addition to cultural performance, the Lalbaugcha Raja festival also features a number of processions and activities. another most popular procession is the “Ganpati Visarjan“. This procession takes place on the last day of the festival and by Indian calendar at Anant Chaturdashi, this time it will be on 28 September, the murti (idol) of Lord Ganesha is immersed at Girgaon Chowpatty, Mumbai.
Read Also : Women Warriors: The untold stories of the women who fought for India’s independence
The First Look of Lalbaugcha Raja 2023
The first look of the Lalbaugcha Raja idol was revealed on 15 September 2023. The idol was designed by Shri Santosh Kambli, a renowned sculptor from Mumbai.
This year’s theme is Raigad Fort. The idol is 12 feet tall and is made of clay. It is decorated with a number of intricate details including a miniature version of Raigad Fort, complete with its towers, bastions and gates.
See the First Look of Lalbaugcha Raja 2023:
As we can see at Lalbaugcha Raja in decoration they included Rajmudra of Shree Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Maratha Bhagwa Flag, the tiger and the sword and more such things that represent culture and heritage of Maratha Samrajya.
Another unique feature of this year’s idol is its realistic appearance. The Shri Santosh Kambli Ji has paid close attention to detail, and the idol is said to be a lifelike representation of Lord Ganesha. It is a masterpiece of art and craftsmanship, and it is a fitting tribute to Shree Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the Maratha Empire.
So, whenever you visit this Ganpati Mandal, remember to learn this chant that’s usually shouted out loud by everyone.
• Bola Ganpati Bappa, "Morya" • Ganpati Bappa Morya, Mangal Murti Morya • Ek don tin Chaar, Ganpati Cha Jay Jay Kaar. • Ala re ala Ganpati Ala. • Ardha Ladu Chandrawar Ganpati Bapa Basle Undrawar • Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, Ganpati Bappa Superstar • Morya Morya Ganpati Bapa Morya
Conclusion :
The Lalbaugcha Raja festival is one of the most popular and significant events in Maharashtra. If you want real fun and have the curiosity to explore, the new events and festivals.
We encourage everyone to visit the Lalbaugcha Raja this year and experience the rich culture and tradition of Maharashtra. Trust us, It is a truly unforgettable experience.
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