The official countdown to Mumbai’s most cherished festival, Ganesh Chaturthi 2025, was initiated with the traditional Ganesh Muhurat Puja of the iconic Lalbaugcha Raja. The sacred ritual was performed in the early hours of Saturday, June 14, at the workshop of renowned idol makers, Shree Kambli Arts, in Parel. This annual ceremony, which marks the beginning of Ganeshotsav preparations, was led by Balasaheb Sudam Kamble, President of the Lalbaugcha Raja Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal.
With this puja, the stage has been set for the 92nd year of Lalbaugcha Raja’s grand celebration. The treasurer of the Mandal, Mangesh Dalvi, also participated in the ritual by dedicating the official receipt books at the feet of the Lord. It is through this gesture that formal proceedings for one of the city’s most visited Ganesh pandals were commenced.
Revered as the "Navasacha Ganpati" or the wish-fulfilling deity, Lalbaugcha Raja has been attracting millions of devotees each year. Pilgrims from across the country—and often, from overseas—flock to the pandal to seek blessings, fulfill vows, and simply catch a glimpse of the magnificently crafted idol. Over the years, the pandal has evolved from a local community celebration into a cultural and spiritual epicenter of Maharashtra’s capital.
Ganeshotsav in 2025 is scheduled to be observed from Wednesday, August 27, until Anant Chaturdashi on Saturday, September 6. During these ten days, over 2 lakh idols are expected to be installed across Mumbai in homes, societies, and public spaces. The immersion of idols on Anant Chaturdashi is anticipated to draw massive crowds to key visarjan points such as Girgaon Chowpatty, Juhu Beach, and Powai Lake.
To manage the enormity of the festival, preparations are being meticulously planned by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) in collaboration with Mumbai Police. Civic arrangements including mobile toilets, drinking water stations, and 24/7 medical facilities are being readied. Sanitation staff and additional garbage collection units will be deployed across major routes and pandal areas to maintain cleanliness.
Security measures are also being tightened. More than 20,000 police personnel, supported by home guards and Quick Response Teams, are expected to be stationed throughout the city. High-resolution CCTV cameras will be installed at major pandals and immersion points. Drone surveillance and bomb squads will be activated during high-risk days, especially during the immersion processions. Traffic diversions and pedestrian control barricades will also be enforced to ensure public safety.
Through coordinated efforts by civic bodies, police forces, and Ganeshotsav Mandals, the city is being transformed into a hub of disciplined devotion and vibrant celebration. As Mumbai prepares to welcome Lord Ganesha, the significance of Lalbaugcha Raja continues to shine as the spiritual heartbeat of Ganeshotsav. The idol's unveiling, expected in mid-August, is awaited with anticipation by millions.
Share
Tweet
