Lalbaugcha Raja location
Located at Putlabai Chawl and organised by the Lalbaugcha Raja Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal, this revered idol has held cultural and spiritual significance since its inception in 1934. The Kambli family has been crafting the idol for over eight decades, maintaining its unique artistic legacy year after year. Lalbaugcha Raja attracts millions of devotees annually, many of whom wait in line for hours to get a glimpse and seek blessings. The idol has become a powerful symbol of Mumbai’s devotional spirit and the emotional connect the city shares with Lord Ganesha.
Significance of Ganesh Chaturthi
Ganesh Chaturthi, also known as Vinayak Chaturthi or Vinayak Chavithi, is a ten-day Hindu festival celebrating Lord Ganesha as the remover of obstacles and the god of wisdom, prosperity, and new beginnings. Observed in the month of Bhadrapada in the Hindu lunisolar calendar, it begins on Chaturthi and concludes on Anantha Chaturdashi.
In Mumbai and across Maharashtra, the festival is celebrated with processions, elaborately decorated pandals, devotional music, and large gatherings of devotees seeking darshan.
New Ganseha idols are light weight
As environmental awareness around idol immersion continues to grow, a Mumbai-based artisan has been quietly offering a sustainable alternative to traditional clay or plaster of Paris (POP) idols. For the past 10 to 12 years, the artisan has been crafting Ganpati idols from specially processed eco-paper. Speaking to ANI, the artisan explained that the idols are made using a combination of calcium powder, refined paper pulp, and layered paper interiors. The result is a lightweight, durable, and fully recyclable idol. “The biggest USP of our paper Ganpati is that it’s a breeze to carry and absolutely eco-friendly,” the artisan said. A typical 2-foot clay idol weighs approximately 20 kg, making transport difficult, especially for those who travel to their native towns during the festival. In contrast, a paper Ganpati of the same size weighs only 2.5 to 3 kg, making it more practical for households.
“It makes a world of difference for families who travel back to their native towns for the festival,” the artisan noted.
When immersed at home or in artificial ponds, the paper idols dissolve more easily and leave behind minimal residue. This also allows the material to be recovered and recycled, reducing the environmental impact typically associated with idol immersions.
(With inputs from ANI)
