Located in Ganesh Galli, Lalbaug, the Lalbaug Sarvajanik Utsav Mandal, famously known as Mumbai Cha Raja, was established in 1928, making it one of the oldest and most iconic Ganesh pandals in Mumbai. In fact, Mumbai Cha Raja is even older than the city’s most famous Lalbaug Cha Raja, which was established in 1934
The Mumbai Cha Raja idol of year 2024. PIC/ @raja_mumbaicha
The iconic Mumbai Cha Raja holds a special place in the hearts of devotees. During the grand celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi in the Maximum City, its name echoes above all, uniting lakhs in prayer, devotion, and the embrace of age-old traditions.
Did you know that the iconic 22-foot idol is crafted entirely by hand—without the use of moulds—a tradition upheld for over 45 years? A defining moment came in 1977, during the mandal’s golden jubilee celebrations, when the late master artisan Dinanath Veling sculpted what was then the tallest Ganpati idol in the country: a majestic 22-foot figure seated on a lotus. This historic creation set a new benchmark, inspiring a wave of towering idols that many mandals across Mumbai continue to follow today.
Located in Ganesh Galli, Lalbaug, the Lalbaug Sarvajanik Utsav Mandal, famously known as Mumbai Cha Raja, was established in 1928, making it one of the oldest and most iconic Ganesh pandals in Mumbai. In fact, Mumbai Cha Raja is even older than the city’s most famous Lalbaug Cha Raja, which was established in 1934.
“Since then, we have never changed the idol’s size; it has remained 22 feet tall, and we do not engage in competitions with other pandals to increase its height,” Mandal’s Joint Secretary, Adwait Padhamkar told mid-day.com
The idol this year has been sculpted by Murtikar Akash Tirmal.
“During the pre-Independence era, Lokmanya Tilak played a pivotal role in transforming Ganesh Chaturthi into a community celebration. Mumbai Cha Raja often depicted themes that emphasised the vision of a free India, inspiring countless people to join the fight for independence,” Padhamkar added.
_e.jpg)
The 1977 idol of Mumbai Cha Raja at Ganesh Gully. PIC/ SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
In 2002, the mandal marked its 75th year. From then, the Mumbai Cha Raja Ganpati mandal started the tradition of having elaborate decorative sets, beginning with the Minakshi Mandir theme. Over the years, they have created themes like Jaipur’s Hawa Mahal, Ujjain’s Mahakal Mandir, Jejuri, and Raigad Fort.
“This year’s decoration is based on the Rameshwaram Mandir in Tamil Nadu. For devotees who cannot visit these sacred sites, we recreate them so they can experience the ambience while taking Bappa’s blessings,” Padhamkar explained.
Beyond celebrations, the mandal is also involved in social work, from launching a computer institute and planting trees to organising blood donation camps.
“Around 2,400 donors participate annually, and the collected blood is donated to BMC hospitals such as KEM and Nair,” Padhamkar said proudly.
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
