Thousands of devotees gathered across Mumbai as the iconic Lalbaugcha Raja idol began its immersion procession, marking the culmination of the 10-day Ganeshotsav celebrations on Anant Chaturdashi.
The revered idol was taken out from the Lalbaug area for Visarjan, drawing large crowds eager to catch a final glimpse of Bappa before the immersion. The procession featured dhol-tasha performances, devotional songs, flowers and festive celebrations as devotees lined the streets.
The Lalbaugcha Raja immersion is among the most anticipated events of Mumbai’s Ganeshotsav celebrations, with devotees gathering along the procession route hours before the idol’s departure.
Grand farewell to Lalbaugcha Raja
As the immersion procession began, crowds gathered at several points across the city. Women, children and families joined thousands of other devotees to seek a final darshan of the deity.
The streets around Lalbaug came alive with music, colours and devotional chants as the idol began its final journey towards immersion.
For many devotees, the Visarjan marked an emotional conclusion to days of prayers and visits to the Lalbaugcha Raja pandal.
Mumbai makes arrangements for Visarjan crowds
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and Mumbai Police made extensive arrangements to manage the large crowds and traffic movement during the immersion processions.
More than 24,000 police personnel were deployed for security and traffic management, while over 25,000 BMC staff members were assigned to various duties.
Authorities also arranged artificial immersion ponds, ambulances, medical assistance, lifeguards and cranes at different locations to respond to emergencies and support devotees.
Several idols of prominent deities were scheduled to reach major immersion points, including Girgaon Chowpatty, as processions continued across Mumbai.
Ganeshotsav comes to an end
Anant Chaturdashi marked the end of the 10-day Ganeshotsav celebrations, with idols from public and private mandals taken out for immersion across Mumbai.
The Lalbaugcha Raja remains one of the city’s most prominent Ganesh idols and attracts lakhs of devotees during the festival each year. The surrounding Lalbaug area transforms into one of Mumbai’s busiest festive zones during Ganeshotsav.
As the celebrations draw to a close, devotees bid farewell with the familiar chant of “Ganpati Bappa Morya”, before looking forward to welcoming Lord Ganesha back next year.
