Lalbaug Sarvajanik Utsav mandal, Ganeshgalli

Lalbaug Sarvajanik Utsav mandal was established in 1928 by the local devotees of Lalbaug to support the Ganeshotsav movement led by Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak.

History: Lalbaug Sarvajanik Utsav mandal was established in 1928 by the local devotees of Lalbaug to support the Ganeshotsav movement led by Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak. Later its popularity soared up and people from all walks of life contributed to the festival. The mandal is situated close to the legendry Ganesh idol of Lalbaug.
Both mandals are very close to each other and have equal amount of popularity. The Ganeshgalli mandal is famous for its traditional 22-feet Ganesh idols as well as the decorative sets. The mandal is involved with social activities like blood donation camps, Navratrosav, and donating funds for a good cause.

Help line: "Ten days of Ganesh festival needs proper management and perfect communication skills," says the chairman of organisation, Pradeep Jadhav. A closely knitted network of more than 200 volunteers ensures that things are in order. Volunteer booths make up for help lines, which are situated in the pandal to provide immediate help to devotees.

Facilities: Bappacha Prasad is bestowed to every devotee who comes to visit the mandal's Ganpati. The residents in the lane provide water tanks for all the devotees. The mandal has a website for the devotees, with collection of photographs of Ganesh idols.
Peak hours: 3 pm to 2 am

Security: "After the recent terrorist attacks in Mumbai, we have tighten the security by installing more CCTV cameras in all possible places and our volunteers survey the crowd and communicate through walkie-talkies." said Pradeep Jadhav, the chairman of the mandal.

Specialty: The mandal is now aiming to raise funds worth Rs 5 lakh for an educational cause in Raigad District, and organizing blood donation camps at hospitals like KEM and Sion. They have also started a Ganesh book bank for needy students at a concession.

How to get there: Railway stations like Chinchpokli, Curry road and Lower Parel are close by. Nearest bus stop is at Parel Gaon.

<#slideshow_code>

Previous: No 2. Sahyadri krida mandal, Tilak nagar

Next: 4. Lalbaugcha Raja Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal