Lalbaugcha Raja 2025: Tirupati theme to no VIP passes, here’s all you need to know about Mumbai’s 92-year-old iconic pandal

Sculpted by Santosh Ratnakar Kambli of Murtikar Shree Kambli Arts, the idol is adorned in a velvet rani-pink dhoti and an angavastram embellished with the SriVari namam, the revered mark worn by Lord Venkateswara (Balaji) at Tirumala.

The pandal is located in Lalbaug, Parel, and is accessible by road and rail. (Express Photo by Akash Patil)

He holds a chakra in one hand and a conch shell in another — symbols of divinity and protection — while his calm expression radiates serenity. Golden pillars flank the idol on both sides, crowned with sculptures of elephants and his vaahan (vehicle), the mushak, giving the entire setup the aura of a royal golden palace.

“It is themed on Tripati Balaji,” Kambli, whose family has been sculpting the idol since its inception, told The Indian Express, adding that the theme was decided by the pandal and communicated to him. It took him over a month to sculpt the idol.

While the unveiling drew thousands of devotees who chanted “Ganpati Bappa Morya” as the curtains rose, more than 10 lakh devotees are expected to flock to the pandal in Parel over the next 10 days.

Darshan arrangement

Darshan begins on August 27 (Wednesday) and will continue till September 6 (next Saturday) when the idol will be taken in a grand procession to Girgaon Chowpatty for immersion.

Devotees can choose between charan sparsh darshan (the most sought-after option, allowing one to touch the idol’s feet but queues can stretch for several hours or mukh darshan (viewing the idol from a distance. The line is shorter but still takes time). For those unable to visit in person, live online darshan will run round the clock on lalbaugcharaja.com and social media platforms.

No VIP pass or paid darshan

Despite recurring reports of VIP and special darshan passes available for a fee, the mandal took to social media to declare that “Lalbaugcha Raja Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal does not issue any VIP darshan passes or charge money for darshan”.

Why Lalbaughcha Raja is special

The story dates back to 1932, when the market at Peru Chawl was shut down. Fishermen and vendors, who lost their place of business, prayed to Ganesha for a permanent marketplace. Their prayers were answered with a new plot, which later became Lalbaug Market.

“It is themed on Tripati Balaji,” Kambli, whose family has been sculpting the idol since its inception, told The Indian Express, adding that the theme was decided by the pandal and communicated to him. It took him over a month to sculpt the idol. (Express Photo by Akash Patil)

In gratitude, members of the Koli community and local traders installed a Ganpati idol there in 1934, establishing the Lalbaugcha Raja Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal. What began as a humble act of devotion has since grown into Mumbai’s most iconic Ganeshotsav.

How to reach

The pandal is located in Lalbaug, Parel, and is accessible by road and rail. The nearest stations on the central line are Chinchpokli, Currey Road, Byculla, and  Lower Parel on the western line. From the stations, it is a short walk or cab ride. Devotees can also travel by car, but be prepared for heavy traffic, diversions, and near-impossible parking.

What to eat

The lanes around Lalbaug transform into a carnival during Ganesh Chaturthi. While permanent spots like Ladu Samrat, known for its hot vada pavs, draw huge crowds, countless temporary stalls spring up in the area, serving everything from quick snacks to full meals.

If you are in the area, don’t miss other iconic Ganpati pandals in the vicinity like Mumbaicha Raja in Ganesh Galli, Chinchpokli cha Chintamani and Parel cha Raja.

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