With no Covid restrictions this year, famous Ganesh mandals across Mumbai are getting ready to celebrate Ganeshotsav with zeal and enthusiasm. To make up for the lost years due to the pandemic, this year’s Ganeshotsav, commencing on August 31, promises to be a larger affair. 
 
The famous Lalbaugcha Raja Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal, which was formed in 1934, has a footfall of around 25 lakh every day. “During Ganeshotsav, people from across the world visit the pandal. Around 25 lakh devotees come to seek blessings of Lalbaugcha Raja,” said Balasaheb Kamble, president of Lalbaugcha Raja Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal.
 
“We ensure that everyone gets darshan of Lalbaugcha Raja. The mandal has set up big mandaps for people coming for darshan. We have made sitting arrangements for senior citizens and children. There is 24-hour water available for visitors and we also serve tea and biscuits from time to time. For security purposes, we have installed CCTV cameras and metal detectors. Around 3,500-4,000 karyakartas (volunteers) are working around the clock. Even police personnel and BMC officials help us during Ganeshotsav,” shared Kamble.
 
Founded in 1934, Lalbaugcha Raja Sarvajanik Mandal completes 89 years this year and is expecting more visitors this year as the state government has lifted Covid restrictions. “With no restrictions, the celebrations will take place as they used to before the pandemic. We are expecting a huge footfall this year too. Keeping that in mind we have already prepared ourselves,” he added.

Also Read: Ganeshotsav 2022: Here’s why Mumbai-based Ganpati murtikars are struggling to keep the art alive
 
This year Lalbaugcha Raja will be in his regal pose on a throne in his 12-ft form.
 
The theme for this year is the Ayodhya Ram temple. Well-known art director Nitin Chandrakant Desai is giving shape to the decorations at Lalbaughcha Raja. “At the entrance, there will be a Ram mandir with Lord Ram’s idol. We will also have a replica of the dome of the Ayodhya temple,” Kamble said.
 
Meanwhile, speaking about how the pandemic affected the mandal, he said: “Every year, lakhs of people from different walks of life wait in anticipation for the darshan. It is their devotion to the Raja that draws them to Lalbaug year after year.”