Lal Baugcha Raja is the most well-known Sarvajanik Ganapati in India, and he is housed in Lalbaug, Mumbai. During Ganesh Chaturthi, the Lalbaug becomes the most important location. This holiday is celebrated with open hands by the devotees. People are waiting for Ganapati to visit Lalbaug and accept the Lal Baugcha Raja’s blessings. The Ganapati’s height is increasing every year, and this is the main draw for visitors.
The king of Lalbaug is the meaning of the Lalbaugcha Raja. For Marathi people, Ganesh Chaturthi is the most important celebration. The Ganesh Chaturthi festival is observed by Hindus all over India. Mumbai, on the other hand, is known for Ganesh Chaturthi. During this celebration, the city of Mumbai is dressed up like a bride. The majority of people carry Ganapati’s statue into their homes and celebrate for 5/7/9/11 days.
Ganpati Pandal
Lalbaug Pandal is one of Mumbai’s most famous and historic Ganesh Pandals. Despite concerns about holding the festival because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the 88-year-old tradition was preserved, and the ceremony will take place in compliance with the government’s COVID-19 standards. Due to the threat of a third wave of the COVID-19 epidemic, the pandal has cancelled physical darshan for this year. Devotees will be able to enjoy online darshan of Lalbaug Cha Raja through the Pandal’s official website, and they will also be able to order laddoo prasad.
Darshan Timings
First and foremost, double-check that you’re in the correct line. Choose from the Mukh Darshan or Navas/Charan-sparsh Darshan lines, depending on how close you want to be to the Lord. Mukh Darshan: Join this line if you’re content with a short dekko of the idol from distance, from a few metres away. The wait time can be anywhere between 6-7 hours. The Mukh Darshan opens at 6 a.m. and is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, till midnight on Visarjan Day. The Lalbaugcha Raja Ganpati is also known as Navasacha Ganpati, or the “wish-fulfilling Ganpati.” This line is for devotees who want to bless themselves by touching the idol’s feet. Wait times range from 12 to 15 hours for the more popular options.
Best time to visit Lalbaugcha Raja?
Mandal officials warn CNT that huge lines can be expected 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Some regulars, however, claim that the crowds are lower at night and on weekdays. Tuesday is the exception, as it is regarded very fortunate and attracts enormous people. Regardless of when you attend, be prepared for the crowds; there is absolutely no way to avoid them.
How to reach Lalbaugcha Raja
The best way to get around Mumbai is to take public transportation, which is also true when visiting the Lalbaug cha Raja.
If you are in the western part of Mumbai, take the local train to Lower Parel Railway Station, and if you are in the central part of the city, take the local train to Curry Road Railway Station.
Both railway stations are within walking distance of the mandal.
Prepare to queue for at least 4 to 5 hours once you arrive at the Mandal.
There are two queues at Lalbaugcha Raja Mandal
- Navsavchi Line
- Mukh Darshanachi Line.
Navsavchi Line : Navsachi Line is a special line where devotees can touch Lalbaugcha Raja’s feet and receive his blessings in order to have their wishes granted. The Navsachi Line’s waiting time is unpredictably long. So plan on waiting at least 10 to 20 hours.
Mukh Darshanachi Line.: Mukh Darshanachi Line is for Mukh Darsahan, as the name suggests. You’ll only be able to catch a peek of Lalbaugcha Raja from afar.
Preparedness
You are welcome to visit, but be aware that you are prepared for crowd behaviour experience.
- You might wish to bring a little mat or newspaper to sit on, as well as some water and possibly some snacks.
- Phones are permitted to be carried, and photographs are permitted. However, do so at your own risk—the crowds may become overpowering, and phones and other valuables have been known to fall into the huge hundis in front of the idol, where they cannot be retrieved once they have entered. Also, keep an eye out for pickpockets.
- Due to COVID situation take safety majors like wear mask, carry sanitizer , wear hand gloves.
- Do not take so much of cash or dont carry gold items for safety majors.