Lalbaugcha Raja
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A backgrounder
As in 2024
Swarupa Tripathy , Sep 7, 2024: The Indian Express
Have you ever seen a 14-foot-tall idol, crafted with such precision that it seems to breathe? In Mumbai, during September’s Ganesh Chaturthi festival, Ganesh idols are everywhere — from grand displays in bustling pandals to small statues in homes and shops and street corners — reflecting the city’s deep devotion and festive spirit.
According to Beyond, “Lalbaugcha Raja’s mandal is the biggest, most revered and oldest in Mumbai. It attracts an average of 1.5 million devotees each day, with the crowds swelling on weekends, during Gauri puja, and on immersion day. The mandal, known as the Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal, Lalbaug, was founded in 1928 and has since become an integral part of Mumbai’s cultural fabric.”
A legacy three generations strong
“This is the third generation of our family involved in crafting Lalbaugcha Raja,” Santosh Kambli tells indianexpress.com. “My grandfather started this tradition in 1935,” he says, with a voice tinged with pride and reverence. Recounting how his grandfather, Madhusudan Donduji Kambli, laid the foundation of this legacy, he says that Lalbaugcha Raja, first sculpted by Madhusudan, has become an iconic symbol of devotion in Mumbai. Today, Santosh carries on the family tradition, alongside his father. “We see this not just as our profession, but as our sacred duty to the community and our devotion to Lord Ganesha,” he explains.
The family’s history stretches back nearly nine decades, with each generation refining the artistry behind the idol. Santosh’s paternal uncle, Venkatesh, took over in the 1960s, further establishing the unique style of Lalbaugcha Raja. Today, Santosh and his father are responsible for the idol, honouring their deep religious beliefs in every creation. This deep-rooted devotion is evident in every curve and contour of their creations, each one a testament to their faith and artistic skill.
The Kamblis aren’t just sculptors; they are the custodians of a tradition that draws millions of devotees to this location each year; their hands moulding not just clay and plaster, but faith itself.
The process behind crafting Lalbaugcha Raja
The creation of Lalbaugcha Raja is a months-long endeavour, starting in June. “We begin our preparations after performing the auspicious rituals associated with Lalbaugcha Raja,” Santosh says. This early start ensures that the time and care necessary to craft a 14-foot-tall idol worthy of devotees’ faith are given.
But how does one translate divinity into form? “We follow the artistic depictions of Lord Ganesha according to the Puranas and sacred texts,” Santosh explains. This balance of tradition and innovation is key to crafting an idol that not only impresses visually but also resonates spiritually. The Lalbaugcha Raja idol is known for its life-like appearance, which blends awe-inspiring divinity with relatable, human-like features. “When devotees look at Lalbaugcha Raja, they often feel as if God is sitting right in front of them,” he says.
Lalbaugcha Raja Ganesh mandal
14-crore insurance, tight vigil for Lalbaugcha Raja
The Times of India, Sep 1, 2011
Mumbai’s famous Lalbaugcha Raja Ganesh mandal this time witnessed heightened security and an increased insurance of Rs 14 crore, in wake of the July 13 blasts in the city.
Ganesh Chaturthi, is the biggest festival in Maharashtra and Lalbaugcha Raja is one of the most popular mandals attracting around one crore devotees, including filmstars and politicians, following which tight arrangements have been made.
“To ensure a safe festival, we have enhanced our security. We have deployed 300 private guards to last year’s 200. Also, CCTV cameras have been increased from 35 to around 70,” Lalbaugcha Raja president Ashok Pawar told PTI. Also, there will be metal detector door frames and handheld detectors. “Besides police security, we will also have around 2,500 volunteers,” he said. The mandal has also secured insurance worth Rs 14 crore. PTI
